Timberwolves Reveal Their True Colors: The Highs and Lows of Their Collapse Against the Bucks

MILWAUKEE — After a crushing defeat, Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch remained calm. His team lost a 24-point lead to the Milwaukee Bucks, a game that could have advanced their playoff position. However, Finch refused to see it as a sign of failure. “This isn’t a disaster,” he said. “Just one of those strange nights in the NBA.”

The Bucks made a bold move, shifting to a zone defense in the fourth quarter. Suddenly, the Timberwolves, who had been in control with a 95-71 lead, found themselves scrambling and unable to score, ending the game at 110-103. Finch urged his team to shake off the loss and prepare for an important game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

For three quarters, the Timberwolves played well. They shot 56% from the field and had 22 assists to just five turnovers. But in the fourth quarter, everything changed. They fell apart, allowing the Bucks to make a stunning 34-3 run. Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks’ star, transformed from a quiet player in earlier periods to a dominant force in the fourth, scoring 13 points.

Edwards led the Timberwolves with 25 points but struggled in the fourth quarter, missing all four shots he took. The team shot just 20% in that period, floundering as they struggled against Milwaukee’s zone defense. “We just kind of froze,” Finch said.

Despite the loss, Finch acknowledged the ups and downs of the Timberwolves’ season. They have shown flashes of brilliance, like winning five games in a row, but also struggled against lesser teams, highlighting their inconsistency. “We didn’t expect to win every game,” Finch said. “We’ve had tough losses before, but we have to focus on the next one.”

Understandably, the team is feeling the pressure as they fight for playoff positioning. With only a few games left, every match counts. A win against Memphis would be crucial, especially since they’re currently just below them in the standings. The Timberwolves understand they need to bounce back quickly and not dwell on this defeat.

Fans and analysts are buzzing about the team’s future. Many are hopeful that, despite the setback, the Timberwolves can regroup. Resilience has been a part of their identity this season, so it will be interesting to see how they respond.

As coach Finch succinctly put it, “We’ve got to go and get the wins that are still there to be had.” With valuable lessons learned from this game, the Timberwolves have an opportunity to reclaim their momentum and push harder during this pivotal time in the season.

For more insights on the Timberwolves and their playoff journey, you can check out the detailed analysis on Cleaning The Glass.

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