Thursday night posed a formidable challenge for the Milwaukee Bucks as they faced the Minnesota Timberwolves without key players Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton, both nursing ankle injuries. The Bucks’ reserves were further depleted after trading Cam Payne and Robin Lopez earlier in the day. Compounding the difficulty, the Timberwolves boast the best defense in the NBA. Unsurprisingly, the Bucks succumbed to a 129-105 defeat at Fiserv Forum.
Struggles Under Coach Doc Rivers
With this loss, the Milwaukee Bucks‘ record fell to 33-19, including a disappointing 1-5 record under new head coach Doc Rivers. The absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo in the fourth quarter, with the game out of reach, highlighted the team’s struggles. Antetokounmpo finished with 17 points in 27 minutes.
Anthony Edwards Shines for Minnesota Timberwolves
First Quarter Dominance
In the absence of key Bucks players, Anthony Edwards seized the opportunity, scoring nine points in the first quarter and helping the Minnesota Timberwolves secure a 30-26 lead. Edwards’ performance set the tone for the game, showcasing his prowess against a short-handed Bucks backcourt.
Jae Crowder’s Heroics
Despite the odds stacked against them, the Bucks found a glimmer of hope in Jae Crowder. Listed as probable for the game, Crowder contributed significantly with 16 points in the first half, keeping the Bucks within reach. His sharpshooting, sinking all three of his three-point attempts, was crucial as the Minnesota Timberwolves led 63-53 at halftime.
Third Quarter Collapse
However, the Bucks ran out of steam in the third quarter, allowing the Minnesota Timberwolves to extend their lead to 91-64. Antetokounmpo subbed out of the game with just over 4 minutes remaining in the quarter, emphasizing the team’s struggles.
A.J. Green’s Fourth Quarter Surge
As the Bucks faced a significant deficit, A.J. Green emerged as a bright spot in the fourth quarter. Green’s impressive display, hitting three-pointers on three straight possessions, showcased his shooting prowess. He finished with a career-high 27 points, hitting 7 of 8 three-pointers, providing some excitement for Bucks fans in an otherwise challenging game.
Minnesota Timberwolves’ Three-Point Barrage
The Timberwolves’ victory was fueled by an outstanding display from Anthony Edwards, who contributed 26 points and nine assists. Notably, the Timberwolves shot an impressive 21 of 41 from three-point range, highlighting their proficiency from beyond the arc.
Doc Rivers’ Home Debut Disappointment
The game marked the home debut of new Bucks coach Doc Rivers, but the Timberwolves spoiled the occasion. Karl-Anthony Towns, Mike Conley, Naz Reid, and Rudy Gobert played pivotal roles in securing the Timberwolves’ victory.
Trade Deadline Impact
Both teams faced challenges with short benches following deals before the trade deadline. The Bucks traded Cam Payne and a second-round pick for Patrick Beverley, while the Timberwolves dealt Troy Brown, Shake Milton, and a second-round pick for Monte Morris. Notably, neither Beverley nor Morris was available for Thursday night’s game.
Milwaukee Bucks’ Strategic Rest
With the game out of reach, the Bucks strategically rested key players like Giannis Antetokounmpo to preserve energy for upcoming matches. A.J. Green’s standout performance and Jae Crowder’s season-high contributions were bright spots for the Bucks in an otherwise tough night.
In conclusion, the Milwaukee Bucks faced an uphill battle against the Minnesota Timberwolves, grappling with injuries and roster changes. The Timberwolves’ defensive strength and three-point proficiency ultimately secured their decisive 129-105 victory at Fiserv Forum.