Missing both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, the Milwaukee Bucks left Minnesota with a 103-101 victory in their final game before the All-Star break, led by 21 Gary Trent Jr points and 19 points, 13 rebounds from Kyle Kuzma.
Fellow deadline acquisition Kevin Porter Jr added 11 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists off the bench.
Milwaukee improves to 29-24 with the win, 5th in the East a game back of the Pacers, a game up on the surging Pistons. Antetokounmpo’s sixth straight absence with a strained calf, the gutsy performance offered an encouraging segue into the break. The Bucks finish their first-half slate 3-2, steadying the ship after a four-game losing streak.
Following his playmaking leadership in his fourth game as a Buck, Kuzma fielded questions from reporters in the locker room.
Kyle Kuzma Praises Milwaukee Bucks’ Gritty Defense Vs Minnesota Timberwolves
Asked what he took away from his new team’s efforts, he said, “Just that we were really resilient. I think we did a great job just fighting. That was like a sledge hammer match in a sense. Both of us made some shots but we both missed a lot of shots.”
After Milwaukee took an early lead, up 44-28 in the second quarter, Minnesota went on a run to close within a point at halftime. It was a tight game thereafter.
As a team, Milwaukee shot 44.3% from the field and the Wolves were worse, converting at a 37.9% clip and just 22.7% on threes. The Bucks went 12-30 from beyond the arc.
For his part, Kuzma did not have the most efficient showing, going 7-17 from the floor after making 6 of 9 Monday versus the Warriors. But his 19 points were second-most on the team and he led the Bucks in boards. He also dished out four dimes.
“The refs let us play tonight,” Kuzma continued, “a lot of tough, physical plays at the rim, a lot of rebounds for us. We just did a great job collectively.”
The 6’9 forward helped alleviate the Bucks’ disadvantage on the glass, facing a Minnesota team that, even without Julius Randle, can trot out Rudy Gobert at center and Naz Reid at power forward. They combined for 27 rebounds.
Missing Giannis and his 12.2 RPG, Milwaukee suffered a 48-59 deficit in that category, but they avoided being trampled. Hustle and scrappy play helped overcome the mismatch.
A Complete Team on the Horizon
Defensively, the Bucks came oh so close to meeting Doc Rivers’ 100-point challenge. Even without Giannis, their best defender, they held the opponent to 101 and forced the Wolves into a rough shooting night.
“That’s what we got to hang our hat on. We have the potential to be one of the best defensive teams in the league with our size and our athleticism. I think the world’s going to see that when we come back after the break,” Kuzma declared.
11th in defensive net rating, lately Milwaukee has surrendered some uncharacteristic offensive performances. Monday’s 125-111 loss to Golden State marked the 7th time in 10 games the team had given up 125+ points. In the prior 42 games, that happened twice.
Certainly missing Giannis and, less recently, Portis as well has not helped the Bucks battle opposing bigs. Although Bobby is not known for defense, his size alone helps combat offensive rebounds for the opponent.
Offensively, too, this team has yet to reveal its post-deadline potential. Kuzma has yet to play with Antetokounmpo.
“I think that’s just the biggest thing,” he said, “because we know when we get Giannis back, we got Dame, we can score. That’s the highest scoring duo in the league. The rest of us just got to do our part and help them out.”
Their 31.8 and 25.8 PPG was a lot to miss Wednesday in Minnesota–the win is all the more impressive for the sheer magnitude of the scoring void. “The rest” of the Bucks did their share and then some to muster enough offense and shut down Anthony Edwards, fresh off 3 straight 40-point performances.
They now enjoy seven days off before hosting the Clippers on Thursday, February 20. In the meantime, teammates and fans can turn their attentions to Lillard and his quest for a three-peat in the three-point contest over All Star weekend.
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