TWO WORLD: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lillard created a ‘disjointed’ performance but still helped Bucks crush Timberwolves

Giannis Antetokounmpo had 33 points and 13 rebounds to help the Milwaukee Bucks surge out of the All-Star break with a 112-107 victory over the West-leading Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.

Giannis, Lopez and Rivers speak on the Bucks win over Timberwolves

Anthony Edwards made three 3-pointers in the final 1:58 to give the Wolves a late chance, but Damian Lillard iced it for the Bucks with a pullup 21-footer with 10.3 seconds left for the five-point lead.

Jay Clemons on X: "FRIDAY #NBA @BetMGM 💰🏀 Anthony Edwards ⬆️ 38.5 PRA vs. #Bucks Scottie Barnes ⬆️ 15.5 reb/assists @ #Hawks Kevin Durant ⬇️ 40.5 PRA @ #Rockets Vince Williams Jr.

Lillard had 21 points, 10 assists and a season-high nine rebounds to overshadow an 8-for-23 shooting night and help the Bucks (36-21) improve to just 4-10 under new coach Doc Rivers. Malik Beasley scored all 14 of his points in the third quarter.

Highlights: Damian Lillard Scores 21 Points vs. Timberwolves | 2.23.24 | NBA.com

Karl-Anthony Towns (22 points, 14 rebounds) and Rudy Gobert (12 points, 19 rebounds) helped the Wolves (39-17) control the basket with a 32-14 second-chance points advantage, but their sloppy and sluggish third quarter was too much to overcome.

With two All-Stars on each side and both coaching staffs having represented each conference at the league’s midseason showcase last weekend, ESPN grabbed this game for a national broadcast in the late-night window. The crowd, including plenty of Bucks fans, matched the moment.

Giannis Antetokounmpo's Instagram Post After Bucks-Timberwolves Game - Fastbreak on FanNation

Towns spent most of the game aggressively attacking the basket, but when the Wolves needed it most he went outside and sank back-to-back 3-pointers to bring them to 98-92.

Beasley, the streaky corner shooter who spent two-plus seasons with the Wolves before going to Utah in the Gobert trade two summers ago and switching teams twice more, didn’t take a single shot in the first half. He made four 3-pointers in the third, fueling a 23-4 run over a 4:41 stretch and striking a pose after the fourth one with a backside wiggle to accentuate the 87-70 lead.

These teams emerged from the All-Star break in decidedly different situations, with the Wolves in this unfamiliar position atop the West and the Bucks — though still solidly in third place in the East — trying to find their footing under Rivers after the surprising midseason switch. Three-time All-Star Khris Middleton missed his sixth straight game with a sprained left ankle, further hampering the effort.

Giannis Opens Up About Damian Lillard's Impact After First Game

Lillard, who was the All-Star Game MVP and 3-point shooting contest champ last weekend, has yet to find his groove next to Antetokounmpo on his new team. He entered the evening shooting 34.1% from 3-point range, the second-lowest rate in his 12 seasons in the NBA, and went just 2-for-8 in this game.

Disastrous 3rd quarter dooms Wolves with nation watching - Sports Illustrated Minnesota Timberwolves News, Analysis and More

The Bucks got off to a quick start thanks to three 3-pointers from Brook Lopez, who finished with 16 points. In the second, Antetokounmpo regained his motivation. The third was then taken over by Beasley.

Highlights: Damian Lillard Scores 21 Points vs. Timberwolves | 2.23.24 | NBA.com

The fact that six of the Wolves’ seven home games are scheduled on back-to-back nights somewhat mitigates their advantage. The Wolves played their first of seven straight home games.