Giannis and Lillard secure the victory as the Milwaukee Bucks triumph over the Minnesota Timberwolves with a final score of 112-107.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard led the Milwaukee Bucks to a 112-107 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, marking one of their most significant wins of the season. The game, held at the Target Center, witnessed the Bucks triumph over the top team in the Western Conference.

Brook Lopez noted that this win was an important reflection of the team’s progress. He acknowledged that their recent wins and losses may not have accurately reflected their hard work before the All-Star break, as they had been diligently working to improve their performance through rigorous practice sessions. Lopez emphasized that the team had acquired valuable knowledge from both their teammates and the coaching staff, which had created a training camp ambiance. He highlighted the significance of the win against the Timberwolves, who had previously dominated them in a game a few weeks earlier.

Despite a strong comeback attempt by the Timberwolves in the fourth quarter, reducing a 17-point deficit to just four points with less than two minutes remaining, Antetokounmpo and Lillard secured the victory for the Bucks. Antetokounmpo obtained crucial offensive rebounds and converted free throws, providing the team with a comfortable 108-101 lead. Anthony Edwards’ three-pointers brought the Timberwolves closer, but Antetokounmpo passed the ball to Jae Crowder for a pivotal score, eluding the defense of Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony. Lillard then solidified the triumph with a step-back jumper, extending their lead to 112-107 with 9.2 seconds remaining.

Antetokounmpo explained that during crucial moments like this, the ball should be entrusted to the team’s best players to create opportunities. He and Lillard took charge, generating chances for themselves and their teammates. Antetokounmpo commended the team’s execution, which resulted in good shots, offensive rebounds, and essential baskets from multiple players. Lillard added that he often faced double-team defenses, so he would pass the ball to Giannis, who could attack the basket, draw fouls, and make plays. They fed off each other, taking turns as the main offensive threats without forcing it. Their style of play prioritized making the right passes throughout the game, making their teammates comfortable and confident. This allowed their teammates to find open shots and stay engaged in the game, creating opportunities for success in crucial moments.

Antetokounmpo had an impressive stat line with 33 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists, while Lillard contributed 21 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds. Lopez scored 16 points, and both Malik Beasley and Bobby Portis had 14 points each. “It was a satisfying victory,” stated Antetokounmpo. “Following the break, we have 26 games remaining, and it is a fantastic start to face off against a formidable team like Portland, whom I consider one of the premier teams in the Western Conference. They boast top-tier defense, talented players, and they play with immense intensity. To emerge, maintain our focus, convert shots, match their energy, and execute during crucial moments is an exceptional way to commence. Our upcoming game is against Philly on Sunday, and I hope we can sustain our strong performance and build upon this triumph. Our aim before the break was to set the tone, and today we demonstrated that we can substantiate our claims with actions. I am pleased with our performance today.”

Edwards from Minnesota led the team with 28 points, while Towns contributed 22 points and 14 rebounds. Gobert, on the other hand, secured 19 rebounds and 12 points but was unable to secure a victory for his team.

Malik Beasley Takes Charge in the Third Quarter for the Bucks

It was not surprising when Doc Rivers devised a play specifically for Beasley to take the first shot of the second half, a wide-open three-pointer. Beasley had not attempted a shot in the first half, but he had been making an impact on defense with two steals and three fouls while guarding Timberwolves’ all-star Edwards. However, the Bucks had only managed to make five three-pointers in the first half.

Despite Beasley missing his initial attempt, it became evident that the team relied on him to contribute offensively.

And contribute, he did. Beasley went 5 for 11 in the third quarter, sinking four of those shots from beyond the arc and accumulating 14 points. Additionally, he added another steal as the Bucks outscored the Timberwolves 36-13, transforming a halftime deficit of six points into an 87-70 advantage heading into the final quarter.

Rivers acknowledged Beasley’s impact, remarking, “There are certain players who give you an indication of whether the ball is moving or not. At halftime, Malik had not taken a single shot, but he ended up with 12 attempts. I told him he should have limited it to 10 since two of those shots were not wise decisions. Nevertheless, his offensive contributions sparked everyone else. Once that occurs, with players like Dame and Giannis in transition, it becomes arduous to impede.” The Bucks needed every bit of that advantage as the Timberwolves mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter. “I did not actively seek him out,” disclosed Lillard, referring to Beasley. “When you play the game correctly, the ball naturally gravitates to where it needs to be. I believe we began playing correctly, attacking the paint despite anticipating resistance. The opposing team possessed formidable size and length, yet we managed to distribute the ball effectively. In the first half, we were neglecting the extra pass.”

Danilo Gallinari Makes His Debut for the Bucks

New addition Danilo Gallinari made his debut for the Milwaukee Bucks just 10 minutes into the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Brook Lopez had picked up his second foul, prompting Gallinari to step onto the court. However, he only played for five minutes. The 35-year-old, who had last played for the Detroit Pistons on February 7, recently signed with the Bucks on Wednesday.

Having been waived on February 8 in order to join a contender, Gallinari revealed that he chose the Bucks due to his previous experience with Coach Rivers. Both had been in Los Angeles from 2017 to 2019. While Gallinari believes he is capable of playing more than the average of 15 minutes per game he had in Washington and Detroit, he expressed his willingness to accept any role in pursuit of his first NBA championship.

“I can contribute in various ways, and my main focus is to help the team,” he said on Thursday. “I’ll do whatever is required of me.”

This includes experimenting with different lineup combinations, as acknowledged by Coach Rivers.

“One lineup that I find interesting, which we haven’t used much, is going super big with Bobby, Giannis, and Brook. We might try it tonight. We used it briefly in the Miami game or one of the games,” said the Bucks coach before the game. “Now, with Gallinari, we have another option. It could be effective for us.”

Unfortunately, Gallinari encountered foul trouble early in the second quarter. He finished with zero points, failing to make a shot from the floor, but managed to secure a rebound and a steal in just five minutes of play. He did not see any action in the second half.