Against all odds, the Minnesota Timberwolves delivered a stunning victory against the Milwaukee Bucks, even with key players sidelined! This game, held on January 13, 2026, at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, showcased the Timberwolves' resilience and strategic prowess. But here's where it gets interesting...
Despite missing stars Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert, the Timberwolves crushed the Bucks with a final score of 139-106. Julius Randle led the charge with an impressive 29 points, proving that the team's depth could compensate for the absence of their usual powerhouses.
Bones Hyland contributed 23 points, while Naz Reid added 19, demonstrating the team's well-rounded offensive capabilities. Randle's performance wasn't just about scoring; he also grabbed 8 rebounds and dished out 6 assists, highlighting his all-around contribution.
Edwards was out due to a right foot injury, and Gobert was serving a one-game suspension due to accumulating his sixth flagrant foul of the season.
Milwaukee, missing Myles Turner due to illness, struggled in their return from a 2-2 road trip. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 25 points on efficient 9-of-13 shooting, along with 8 rebounds. Bobby Portis, stepping in for Turner, added 14 points, and Kevin Porter Jr. contributed 13 points and 8 assists.
The Timberwolves set the tone early, dominating the first quarter with a 38-20 lead. McDaniels was on fire, scoring 14 points in the opening period, including a perfect 4-for-4 from beyond the arc. The team's hot shooting continued, hitting 8 of 13 three-pointers in the first quarter.
This momentum carried through the first half, with the Timberwolves leading 76-45 at halftime. Randle had 24 points by the break, while Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee with 15.
The Bucks showed signs of life in the third quarter, even cutting the deficit to 18 points at one point. However, the Timberwolves' relentless three-point shooting kept them in control, never allowing Milwaukee to close the gap further.
And this is the part most people miss... For the game, the Timberwolves shot an incredible 22-for-42 (52.4%) from three-point range and an overall 59.8% from the field. They also capitalized on 20 Milwaukee turnovers, scoring 28 points off those mistakes.
The Timberwolves' victory also marked a significant milestone: They swept the two-game season series against the Bucks for the first time since the 2021-22 season, evening their all-time series record to 36 wins apiece.
What do you think? Did the Timberwolves' performance surprise you? Could this be a turning point for their season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
