Alex Bader
It is safe to say that the Minnesota Timberwolves were locked in on Wednesday night as they dismantled the reigning champs, the Milwaukee Bucks. The Timberwolves started great and hung on at the end to beat the Bucks, 113-108. It was the first road game of the season for Minnesota. The Wolves improved to 3-1 on the season.
"Lock The F*** In," said Anthony Edwards after the loss on Monday.
That was the message at the Timberwolves' practice on Tuesday before they left for Milwaukee. Keeping the message simple makes it easier to remember. The Minnesota players did not forget the message going into the game Wednesday. Started hot and played as a team.
The Minnesota Timberwolves came out of the gates in a way the coach would only dream of - don't miss a shot. They started the game shooting 7-7 from the field.
D'Angelo started the game 4-4 from the field and had 10 points with eight minutes left to play in the first quarter. The Timberwolves jumped out to a 16-7 lead.
The Wolves continued the hot play throughout the quarter. Every time the Bucks seemed to get some momentum, the Wolves went down the court and either hit a three or slammed a dunk.
It was a closely contested quarter with both teams making some runs.
However, The Wolves maintained the lead throughout the first and went to the second quarter with a double-digit lead, 44-34. It was a season-high for points scored in a single quarter this season for the Wolves, the third-most in franchise history.
All of the Wolves' 'big three' ANT, DLO, and KAT scored double digits in the first quarter - DLO with 13 points, KAT and ANT each had 11 points.
Giannis and Middleton led the way for the Bucks.
The second quarter started and the Wolves continued pressing on the gas. Naz Reid came out and got a couple of nice buckets. Minnesota started on a 10-0 run.
Naz Ried was somehow able to get a rebound while in the middle of three Bucks players. It was dished it out to Beverly, who grabbed a three-pointer to give Minnesota a 20 point lead with just under 10 minutes to play in the second quarter, 54-34.
Bucks took a timeout.
The Bucks came out of the timeout and went on a 16-2 run with just over six minutes left, 56-50 Wolves. Proving that you cannot let up on the reigning champs for even a second.
Wolves took a timeout.
Minnesota was able to hold Milwaukee to just eight points during the final six minutes of the second quarter, keeping themselves in the lead by eight, 66-58. In the final five seconds Towns got a pass from DLO and dunked. He then ran down the court and blocked Thanasis to end the second quarter.
The Wolves had a field goal percentage of 50 % in the first half. It was an amazing response to Monday's piss-poor shooting night. They did this by driving to the paint and creating open passing lanes.
DLO, KAT, and ANT combined for 45 points in the first half. Beverly and Reid had big impacts off the bench combining for 13 points and five rebounds.
Giannis Had 20 points, eight rebounds, and three assists to lead the way for the Bucks. Middleton had eight points.
The Bucks came out in the third quarter hot and cut the Wolves' lead to 3. The Wolves answered with a 7-0 run to push the lead back to double digits, with just over nine minutes to play in the third.
The Wolves played hot throughout the quarter, never allowing the Bucks much of anything. Anytime it seemed to get too close, the Wolves turned the switch on and made a run of their own.
With four minutes left to play in the third quarter, Russel and Edwards took a break. It didn't stop the Wolves from maintaining momentum.
The Wolves went into the fourth quarter with a 15 point lead over the Bucks, with a score of 94-79.
Through three-quarters, KAT went 9-13 from the field and had 23 points. The Wolves had a big lead going into the fourth, but remember no lead is safe when playing the reigning champs.
The fourth started with the teams trading shots.
With seven minutes left in the game, the Wolves led the Bucks by 11, 101-90.
With three minutes left, the Wolves still had the lead over the Bucks with a score of 108-97.
With under two minutes to play, the Bucks cut the deficit to six.
With one minute and twenty seconds left, it was a four-point game.
Forty-nine seconds left, it was the Bucks' ball - and they cut the deficit to two.
ANT rose to the occasion and made a bucket to get the lead back to four for the Wolves.
Giannis drove down for an easy two points, eight seconds left.
Ant was fouled and sent to the line. He made both, back to a four-point lead.
Phew, breathe.
The Wolves fought hard all night and were able to hang on to the victory, leading since tip-off, 113-108.
KAT finished with 25 points, three rebounds, and five assists. DLO finished with 29 points, five rebounds, and six assists. ANT finished with 25 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Vanderbilt had himself a career game grabbing 13 rebounds, 10 points, and three assists. McDaniels had 11 rebounds.
It was a great response from Minnesota.
Giannis was incredible, he had 40 points, 17 rebounds, and seven assists. Middleton did what he could to help with 16 points. The Bucks were clearly missing two big players in Lopez and Holiday.
Minnesota moved to an all-time record with the Bucks of 32 wins-31 losses.
BADER'S TAKE
A great first step in the right direction.
The starters played the best so far in this season. They got off to a hot start and never looked back. They seemed to never let the fans get into the game, as they were able to answer every Milwaukee run with a run of their own.
It was a great game from Russel. He finally proved the doubters wrong that he still has what it takes. Now can he be consistent? I don't care if he can do this now and then, we need this type of game from him every game.
KAT has been a rock for the Wolves this season so far and proved it again tonight. He didn't complain when calls didn't go his way. He was just focused on the game. Now can we see more of that?
Edwards was great overall but had a rough patch in the third and early fourth quarters.
Consistency is key. The 'big three' proved that they can play well and win games together. Now, they need to be consistent about it.
It was a step in the right direction but they were playing a Lopez and Holiday-less Bucks team - Giannis is unreal, but one guy cannot win the game.
The Wolves need to show consistency and play like this on Saturday, when they take on the Nuggets - who many predict will be finishing in the top of the West this year. It will be a great challenge, but with the step in the right direction tonight maybe we can get something going.
What's Next:
Denver Nuggets () at Minnesota Wolves () Saturday, October 30th. Tip-Off at 8 p.m. central.
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Missed the game tonight. Great re-cap. Wolves are fun to watch this year!