Milwaukee Bucks: Takeaways from 106-104 win over Timberwolves

Milwaukee Bucks: Takeaways from 106-104 win over Minnesota Timberwolves

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 01: Kelan Martin #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves blocks a shot by Brook Lopez #11 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half of a game at Fiserv Forum on January 01, 2020 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 01: (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

MVP reigns in the new year

As the Bucks endured one of their worst shooting performances of the season, the difference maker in that regard was, unsurprisingly, superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Playing 31 and a half minutes of action, Antetokounmpo finished with a game-high 32 points on 22 shots (3-for-7 from deep, 3-for-8 from the foul line), 17 rebounds, four assists as well as four turnovers, two blocks, and a +4 on the night.

Like the Bucks overall, it took some time for Antetokounmpo to overcome a slow start that kept him quiet throughout the opening quarter. But from the second period onwards, the 25-year-old regularly got downhill and put the likes of Gorgui Dieng and rookie big man Naz Reid into foul trouble as he sank ridiculous finishes to get to the foul line. Antetokounmpo supplemented his relentless attacking by showcasing his touch from long range with his trio of triples.

Doing all of that while cleaning up on the glass to win much needed possessions in what was a scrappy affair, as well as supplying the game-saving block that put an end to the Wolves’ last-ditch comeback, Antetokounmpo fueled the Bucks all throughout Wednesday night. That’s hardly a surprise at this point.

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