Epic Comeback: Bucks Overcome 24-Point Deficit to Defeat Timberwolves 110-103
In a thrilling showdown on Tuesday night, Giannis Antetokounmpo showcased his superstar talent, racking up 23 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists for his third consecutive triple-double. The Milwaukee Bucks pulled off an incredible feat, erasing a staggering 24-point deficit in the fourth quarter to secure a 110-103 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
This win marked Milwaukee's fifth straight victory and halted Minnesota's five-game winning streak. The Bucks' comeback was historic, representing their largest fourth-quarter rally since the NBA began tracking play-by-play data in the 1996-97 season. Prior to this game, the Bucks had lost 276 consecutive regular-season or playoff games when trailing by 20 or more points in the fourth quarter.
With less than 10 minutes remaining and the score at 95-71 in favor of the Timberwolves, Milwaukee ignited a remarkable 23-point scoring spree. AJ Green's clutch three-pointer tied the game at 97 with just 3:36 left on the clock, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Tempers flared during the next possession when a confrontation between Milwaukee's Kevin Porter Jr. and Minnesota's Rudy Gobert led to technical fouls for both players. Gary Trent Jr. of the Bucks, who was involved in the exchange, received an additional technical foul for his comments directed at Gobert.
Following the chaos, Anthony Edwards managed to sink a free throw, giving Minnesota a narrow 98-97 lead. However, Milwaukee quickly regained control when Bobby Portis intercepted the ball from Edwards, leading to a thunderous dunk by Porter that put the Bucks ahead for good. This sparked an 8-0 run that sealed the game for Milwaukee.
Porter finished the night with 21 points, while Portis made a strong return from a 25-game suspension, contributing 18 points and 10 rebounds to the victory.
On the other side, Edwards led the Timberwolves with 25 points, supported by Donte DiVincenzo's 24 points and Naz Reid's 17 points. Despite the loss, Minnesota remains in the mix for a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference, entering the game tied for fifth place with a record of 48-35, just half a game behind the fourth-place Denver Nuggets.
Antetokounmpo's performance was particularly impressive as he returned from a brief absence due to tendinopathy in his left shoulder. In his previous games, he had been on fire, scoring 35 points, dishing out a career-high 20 assists, and grabbing 17 rebounds in a win against Philadelphia, followed by 36 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists in an overtime victory against Miami.
The turning point of the game came when Trent made a three-pointer while being fouled, completing a four-point play that ignited Milwaukee's comeback. The Bucks outscored the Timberwolves 39-8 in the final 10 minutes, showcasing their resilience and determination.
Both teams are set to hit the court again on Thursday, with the Timberwolves traveling to Memphis and the Bucks hosting the New Orleans Pelicans. Fans can expect more thrilling action as the playoff race heats up.
