Minnesota coach Flip Saunders faces a personnel decision for the remainder of the first-round playoff series against the Mavericks.

"We've either got to get more out of our bench, or play the other guys the whole game," Saunders said.

The bench became dead weight for the Timberwolves during their 101-94 loss to the Mavericks. The Mavericks had a 20-13 bench-scoring advantage, but the disparity was more pronounced than that.

Minnesota's reserves made only five of 18 shots and had five turnovers. Erratic guard Anthony Peeler was particularly damaging to the Wolves' cause. He had four turnovers in the fourth quarter and twice failed to foul when the coaching staff wanted that move.

"It seemed like when we went to our bench, we had mental breakdowns," Saunders said. "That's when [the Mavericks] go on 10-0 runs. We have to get better concentration from our bench."