Timberwolves do just enough in 103-100 victory over Bucks

Chris Hine, The Minnesota Star Tribune on Dec 21, 2025

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MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves are nothing if not predictable.

Two nights after picking up their best victory of the season against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, a team they rarely lack motivation to play, the Bucks came to town without former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Wolves’ tendency to play to the level of their competition reared its head again, but like they have in many games this season, they turned it on when they needed to in a 103-100 victory at Target Center.

Their bench ignited a spark in the third quarter that got them back after trailing by 16. That helped the Wolves overcome a 7-for-24 shooting night from Anthony Edwards.

The Wolves won despite missing their first 13 3-point attempts of the night. Donte DiVincenzo finished with 18 points, Naz Reid had 12 while Terrence Shannon hit three 3s in the fourth for 11 points.

Jaden McDaniels left the game in the second quarter because of a sore left hip. Kevin Porter Jr. had 24 for the Bucks.

The Wolves fell behind by 16 early in the third quarter before making the run that got them back in the game. With point guard Mike Conley starting the half for McDaniels, the Wolves went on a 23-2 run that gave them a 73-68 lead. Reid had nine points in the burst while DiVincenzo had a pair of 3s.

Conley helped the Wolves generate good ball movement after a choppy first half against Milwaukee’s zone defense, which caused the Wolves problems at times last season. He had six points, six assists and five rebounds.

McDaniels exits

McDaniels was injured in the first quarter when going for a loose ball after colliding with multiple players. He stayed in the game for a few minutes after the play but then exited after playing five minutes.

He appeared in discomfort on the sideline and went down the tunnel near the bench before coming back in the game in the second quarter.

But he exited the game for good soon thereafter with what the team called left hip pain.

Conley, Clark return

Conley made his return to the lineup from right Achilles’ tendinopathy, an injury that cost him four games. Conley returned to the rotation and played in the second quarter. His return meant Rob Dillingham was back out of the rotation while Bones Hyland remained in.

Jaylen Clark returned from a one-game absence because of an illness.

Land of 10,000 rebounds

With his 18 rebounds Sunday, Rudy Gobert crossed 10,000 for his career. The game operations staff acknowledged that achievement with an announcement in the first quarter and the crowd gave Gobert a hand. Gobert had 7,119 of those rebounds over his nine seasons with the Jazz. He has had nearly 2,900 in his career with the Wolves.

Gobert also had 11 points and three assists.

Up next

The Wolves’ homestand ends Tuesday with a game against Karl-Anthony Towns and the NBA Cup champion New York Knicks.

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