Rubio Returns, Wolves Lose To Dallas

Mavs win 100-94 without Rondo in Rubio's return to Wolves

DALLAS (AP) — Monta Ellis scored 23 points and the Dallas Mavericks won their first game without injured point guard Rajon Rondo, beating Minnesota 100-94 Monday night in the first game in nearly three months for Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio.

J.J. Barea had 10 points while starting in Rondo's place. Barea was only 4-of-14 shooting, but had the first and last field goals by Dallas along with two free throws with 17 seconds left to help hold off a comeback try by Minnesota.

Rubio, sidelined since severely spraining his left ankle Nov. 7, had 10 points on 4-of-9 shooting with four assists in 21 minutes.

Dallas led throughout after scoring the game's first 10 points. Rubio missed his first two shots before hitting a 21-foot jumper with 7:51 left in the first quarter to get Minnesota on the scoreboard.

The Wolves host Miami Wednesday night.