The Milwaukee Bucks let one slip away in Minnesota, falling 103-100 to the Timberwolves in a game that turned on a disastrous third quarter. Despite a near triple-double from Kevin Porter Jr. and a solid first half, the Bucks couldn’t hold off a second-half surge led by Anthony Edwards and a suddenly locked-in Wolves squad.
Hot Start, Cool Finish
Bobby Portis wasted no time making his presence felt in his return to the starting lineup, drilling an early three that helped the Bucks jump out to an 11-2 lead. He stayed aggressive early, calling his own number and looking to push the pace. But that aggression came with a cost-his shot selection opened the door for the Timberwolves to settle in and chip away at the deficit.
Minnesota found success getting to the line early, taking advantage of Milwaukee’s fouls to keep the game close despite struggling from the field. The Bucks still managed to close the first quarter with a 29-23 lead, thanks in part to their early three-point shooting and some timely bench production, including a highlight dunk from Ryan Rollins.
Bucks Build a Lead, Wolves Stay Close
Milwaukee kept the momentum rolling into the second quarter, stringing together an 11-0 run that stretched the lead to as much as 16. The Timberwolves were ice-cold from the field, and things looked even bleaker when Jaden McDaniels exited with an injury.
But Donte DiVincenzo, a familiar face for Bucks fans, snapped Minnesota out of their funk with a couple of threes. Myles Turner followed suit, and just like that, the Wolves were back within shouting distance.
Still, Milwaukee maintained control heading into halftime, up 60-48. Kevin Porter Jr. led the Bucks with 13 points in the half, while Anthony Edwards had 14 for the Wolves-but it was a hard-earned 14, coming on just 3-of-14 shooting. The first half was choppy, with 25 combined fouls slowing the pace, but the Bucks had to feel good about where they stood.
The Third Quarter Collapse
Whatever rhythm the Bucks had in the first half didn’t make the trip out of the locker room. They opened the third quarter with a quick burst-thanks again to KPJ-but then the wheels came off.
Minnesota flipped the script with a 20-0 run that completely changed the game. Nas Reid caught fire, Rudy Gobert dominated the offensive glass, and Mike Conley turned into a two-way difference-maker, making plays on both ends. Milwaukee’s offense stalled, their defense couldn’t get stops, and just like that, a 16-point lead had vanished.
By the time the third quarter ended, the game was tied at 75. Ryan Rollins checked in late in the quarter and brought some much-needed energy, but the damage had been done.
Shannon Jr. Takes Over Late
The fourth quarter started evenly, but it didn’t stay that way for long. Terrence Shannon Jr. lit up the Bucks’ defense with a scoring burst that gave the Timberwolves a five-point cushion. That margin held for much of the quarter, thanks in part to Milwaukee’s turnover issues.
Kevin Porter Jr., despite his strong overall stat line-24 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists-struggled with ball security, coughing it up six times. Bobby Portis also added a costly turnover, and the Timberwolves capitalized. Edwards hit a clutch three with under three minutes left that felt like the dagger, pushing Minnesota’s lead to eight.
Milwaukee tried to rally late, but the damage from that third quarter-and those turnovers-proved too much to overcome.
Stat That Told the Story
Turnovers were the difference. The Timberwolves outscored the Bucks 23-7 in points off turnovers, fueled by Milwaukee’s 17 giveaways-five more than Minnesota.
Porter Jr. was the main culprit, and while Doc Rivers tried to manage his minutes by staggering him with Ryan Rollins, the imbalance was noticeable. Rollins played just 14 minutes despite being one of the few Bucks showing consistent energy on both ends.
Final Takeaway
This was a game the Bucks had in hand-and let slip away. The first half showed what this team is capable of when they’re locked in.
The second half was a reminder of how quickly things can unravel when ball security goes out the window and the energy dips. KPJ’s near triple-double was impressive, but the turnovers loomed large.
And while Portis brought scoring and toughness early, the Bucks needed more poise late.
Minnesota deserves credit-they turned up the pressure, hit big shots, and made the most of Milwaukee’s mistakes. But for the Bucks, this one will sting. It’s not just a close loss-it’s a missed opportunity to steal a road win in a game they controlled for two and a half quarters.