In a game that will undoubtedly haunt the Minnesota Timberwolves for the immediate future, the team suffered a stunning 110-103 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night.
What makes this defeat historic is the manner in which it unfolded: the Timberwolves squandered a 24-point lead in the fourth quarter, marking one of the most shocking collapses in NBA history.
For three quarters, the Timberwolves appeared to be in complete control. Behind strong performances from Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo, Minnesota built a commanding 95-71 lead with just over 10 minutes remaining in the game. The team’s offense was clicking, and their defense had stifled Milwaukee’s attempts to gain momentum.
But then, the unthinkable happened. The Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Porter Jr., mounted a furious comeback, outscoring the Timberwolves 39-8 in the final 10 minutes. Milwaukee’s 23-0 run during a five-minute stretch completely erased Minnesota’s lead, leaving the Timberwolves stunned and unable to recover.
The Timberwolves’ collapse can be attributed to a combination of factors. Milwaukee’s switch to a zone defense in the fourth quarter disrupted Minnesota’s offensive rhythm, forcing turnovers and poor shot selection. The Timberwolves committed eight turnovers in the final period alone and went over five minutes without scoring a single point.
Head coach Chris Finch acknowledged the team’s struggles against the zone defense, saying,
“We didn’t move the ball. We over-surveyed. When we did make the pass to the middle of the floor, it was late. And then, turnover-turnover-turnover.”
Adding to the chaos, tensions flared between teammates Rudy Gobert and Kevin Porter Jr., who exchanged words during a heated moment late in the game.
On the other side, the Bucks showcased resilience. Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded his third consecutive triple-double with 23 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Kevin Porter Jr. added 21 points and five steals, four of which came in the fourth quarter. Bobby Portis Jr., returning from a 25-game suspension, also played a pivotal role, energizing the team and the crowd with his hustle.
Milwaukee’s bench players, including A.J. Green and Gary Trent Jr., stepped up in critical moments, hitting clutch shots that fueled the comeback. The Bucks’ ability to capitalize on Minnesota’s mistakes and maintain composure under pressure was the key to their victory.
The loss couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Timberwolves, who are in the midst of a tight playoff race in the Western Conference. Entering the game in a four-way tie for fifth place, Minnesota now finds itself in eighth place, with just three games remaining in the regular season. A win would have put them within striking distance of the third seed, but instead, they face an uphill battle to avoid the play-in tournament.
