The Minnesota Timberwolves clawed their way to a hard-fought 103-100 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, proving that even a star player can have an off night and still lead his team to triumph. Anthony Edwards, despite struggling with his shots, managed to score 24 points, showcasing his resilience and impact on the game.
Two days after a win against the defending champion Oklahoma City, Edwards faced a challenging night, going 7 for 24 from the field and 2 for 11 from beyond the arc. However, the Timberwolves found strength in depth. Donte DiVincenzo stepped up with 18 points, hitting 4 of 8 three-pointers, while Rudy Gobert dominated the boards, securing 18 rebounds and reaching a significant milestone of 10,000 career rebounds, becoming only the 45th player in NBA history to achieve this feat.
Edwards' crucial layup with just 21 seconds remaining in the game essentially sealed the deal, giving the Wolves a 103-97 lead. This victory marked their ninth win in the last 11 games, highlighting their strong form.
On the Bucks' side, Kevin Porter Jr. nearly achieved a triple-double, finishing with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 steals. Bobby Portis and Ryan Rollins added 16 points each.
But here's where it gets interesting... Terrence Shannon Jr. ignited a crucial run for Minnesota, sinking three consecutive three-pointers within a mere 2.5 minute span, giving the Timberwolves an 89-85 lead with 7:55 remaining.
The game saw a dramatic shift after Milwaukee built a 16-point lead. The Wolves responded with a powerful 25-8 run in the third quarter. Naz Reid's dunk off a rebound brought the Bucks' lead down to 68-65 with 5:47 left in the quarter. DiVincenzo then hit back-to-back three-pointers, followed by a dunk from Gobert, showcasing the team's momentum.
The first half was a struggle for Minnesota, with Edwards missing back-to-back free throws. The Bucks capitalized, taking a 60-48 lead into halftime, as the Wolves struggled, missing their first 13 three-point attempts and shooting just 15 for 43 overall in the first half.
The Timberwolves started the game with a fully healthy roster, including Mike Conley, who returned from a four-game absence due to Achilles tendinopathy. However, Jaden McDaniels had to leave the game in the first half due to left hip pain and did not return.
In the first half, Porter led the Bucks with 13 points, shooting 4 of 7 from the field.
What do you think? Did Edwards' scoring struggles overshadow his overall impact, or did the team's supporting cast truly step up? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Up next: The Bucks will play at Indiana on Tuesday, while the Wolves will host New York on Tuesday.
