Milwaukee Bucks: 3 keys to victory when hosting Minnesota Timberwolves
The Milwaukee Bucks continue their season-long homestand Tuesday night when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves at Fiserv Forum.
Milwaukee will be in search of their third straight victory after having picked up wins against the Oklahoma City Thunder and most recently, the Sacramento Kings. While he still reportedly hasn’t practiced yet and remains in the league’s health and safety protocols, it certainly appears as though that Jrue Holiday is nearing his return to action, much to the delight of the organization and the fanbase.
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Minnesota, meanwhile, has had quite an interesting 36 hours after firing head coach Ryan Saunders and quickly hiring longtime assistant coach Chris Finch, who had been on staff with the Toronto Raptors, on Sunday night.
At 7-24, it’s certainly been an incredibly trying season for the Timberwolves as they have suffered plenty of injuries as well as COVID-related absences. Now Finch will have his opportunity to put his imprint on the squad, as strange as the circumstances surrounding his hire seem on the outside.
So without further ado, let’s explore the three biggest keys to a Milwaukee Bucks victory when they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves.
First key to victory versus Timberwolves — Milwaukee Bucks let it fly with confidence
For as poor of a season the Timberwolves have had thus far, they do stand atop of the league in defending the 3-point line, at least under Saunders’ watch.
No team allows fewer 3-point attempts to their opponents this season than Minnesota as they’re surrender 30.3 3-point attempts this season. When their opponents do rise and fire from long distance, they’re shooting 37.4 percent on the year.
The key to defending such shots has come on looks well behind the arc as they’re allowing 23.1 opponent 3-point attempts from both above the break spots this year, per NBA.com/stats. In many ways, the Timberwolves’ defensive ideologies couldn’t differ further from how the Bucks have historically defended the 3-point line under head coach Mike Budenholzer.
For the Bucks to pull through, being able to let it fly in the face of increased defensive pressure will be paramount, especially as they try to maintain their offensive rhythm.
Milwaukee’s 3-point prowess has certainly been improved this season, but it’s suffered since Holiday has been out over the last two weeks. In the eight games the Bucks have been without Holiday, Milwaukee has hit 36.1 percent of their 281 3-point attempts, which is down from their season average of 39.3 percent.
Not only has Holiday’s sharpshooting been missed, but having a playmaker that can command and draw attention for the Bucks’ many shooters has been a key ingredient they’ve looked to fill in the interim. Now going against the league’s best perimeter defense, that will surely be put to the test further.