Karl-Anthony Towns was 25 points and 11 boards, Anthony Edwards scored 25 and the Minnesota Timberwolves won 138-119 against the Milwaukee Bucks Saturday. The Bucks were without star Giannis Antetokounmpo because of right knee soreness.
In a matchup that was tense early, Naz Reid scored 14 points for Minnesota from the bench. After a heated first quarter, Timberwolves guard Patrick Beverley was ejected and Milwaukee’s George Hill was ejected.
Minnesota won the game for the 10th consecutive time. They took control of the third quarter by shooting a flurry of 3-pointers. The Timberwolves made 22 of 47 3s, including 9 of 14 in quarter three.
For Milwaukee, Khris Middleton scored 15, which was the team’s eighth win in nine. Antetokounmpo was out because of knee strain.
Brook Lopez scored 15 points in his third game after a back surgery and Jrue Holiday added 14 more. Antetokounmpo was replaced by Lopez.
Beverley is a positive influence on his team and has helped to inject some personality into a Minnesota team that has reached the playoffs only once in 17 years.
With a March run that saw a win of 124-104 over the Los Angeles Lakers, the Timberwolves have also gained confidence. Beverley played his usual aggressive role and was eager to trash talk LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, and the Lakers.
Chris Finch, Minnesota coach, was happy with his team. However, he knew that the schedule ahead would be a test for his team.
The Timberwolves continued their run without Antetokounmpo.
Edwards scored 12 points in the quarter’s first quarter to help Minnesota get off to a strong start, before tensions emerged.
Beverley Hill and Hill were both ejected, and then later Milwaukee’s Bobby Portis Jr. was given Reid matching technical fouls. Although the Timberwolves were not afraid to show their confidence, the defending champion Bucks didn’t take it.
In the second half, Minnesota’s feistiness subsided and any talk was abandoned.
Edwards made three 3s in third quarter, while Towns had eight. Towns also scored a pair of 3s in quarter. The Wolves scored 38 points in quarter quarter and were leading by as many 24.
TIP-INS
Bucks: G Pat Connaughton, a Bucks player, returned to the field for his first match since breaking his right thumb on February 10. He scored 15 points from the bench.
Timberwolves: Towns was unable to play due to a right forearm contusion. The injury seemed to be affecting Towns at times. F Jaden McDaniels was unable to play in his second game due to a left ankle strain. Reid returned after two missed games due to back spasms.
UP NEXT
Bucks: Tuesday, return home against Chicago
Timberwolves: In Dallas on Monday.
