Timberwolves 90, Mavericks 82: Nikola Pekovic scored 20 points before leaving with a sprained left ankle late in the third quarter as visiting Minnesota posted its fifth victory in seven games.

Andrei Kirilenko contributed a double-double by collecting 16 points and 11 rebounds as the Timberwolves shot 46.2 percent. Rookie Alexey Shved also had 16 points, Luke Ridnour added 15 and Dante Cunningham chipped in 14.

Darren Collison scored a team-high 21 points for Dallas, which lost its third straight game and suffered its first home loss. O.J. Mayo added 18 points as the Mavericks shot a dreadful 36.3 percent.

The Timberwolves were in control most of the second half but allowed Dallas to creep back in it. Dallas got within 85-78 on Mayo's jumper with 2:16 remaining, but Collison missed an open dunk and a layup on its next two possessions.

Before getting hurt with just under three minutes remaining in the third, Pekovic was 8-of-13 from the floor and Minnesota held a 13-point lead. He appeared to twist his ankle running down the floor and had to be helped to the locker room.

GAME NOTEBOOK: The Timberwolves announced F Chase Budinger will miss at least two months with a torn meniscus in his left knee. ... Dallas coach Rick Carlisle was ejected with five minutes remaining. ... Minnesota G J.J. Barea missed his third straight game with a left foot sprain. ... Mayo has failed to reach 20 points in six straight games for the first time in his career.