Kyle Kuzma’s night mirrored the Bucks’ ongoing issues as defensive confusion and poor shot selection led to another blown lead against the Timberwolves.
The 11-18 Bucks continue on their downward spiral as they drop another away game to the Timberwolves, losing 100-103.
Milwaukee took a 16-point lead before a measly 15-point third quarter sparked a 25–9 Timberwolves run. The Bucks continue to struggle away from home, falling to 3–10 on the road this season.
Kuzma's Reflection on the Game
“The difference was the third quarter, we came out and took shots we talked about not taking. We didn’t play defense, and they hit shots,” Kuzma said.
In Kuzma’s first action in a week, he posted 12 points and 10 boards through 32 minutes of action.
The Bucks were outscored 27-15 in the third and the Wolves run continued through the end of their close victory.
“We didn’t play defense, they hit some shots, had some swings,” Kuzma said.
Kuzma had a tough return to action, being pushed to small forward with Bobby Portis and Myles Turner on the court together.
“Less rolls, Less opportunities to do those type of things. I’m a basketball player I need to figure it out,” Kuzma said.
Milwaukee's Big-Man Lineup
Doc Rivers and his big-man-heavy lineup held Minnesota’s big men to just 23 points between Julius Randle, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert combined.
However, Donte Divincenzo and Anthony Edwards posted 42 points in the comeback victory.
Kuzma had a tough game, getting crossed up by Anthony Edwards and, with 35 seconds left and Minnesota up four, fouling Edwards after hearing Doc Rivers yell “no foul,” effectively icing the game.
“Confusion; I wish I could take that one back. I was guarding him really well for 14 seconds. Everything was loud and I thought that I heard foul.” Kuzma said.
Kuzma aside, Kevin Porter Jr. impressed, finishing with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists, one assist shy of a triple-double.
Porter Jr. and Rollins have led most of Milwaukee's offense. With Antetokounmpo out, the pair are the leading scorers for Milwaukee with 20 and 17 points per game, respectively.
However, the Bucks haven't been efficient in their half-court offense, and Rivers has been playing Rollins off the bench in recent games.
Rollins is having a breakout year and averaging 14 field goal attempts per game, only behind Antetokounmpo at 17.3. Despite that, Kuzma hasn't been happy with how the team has been shooting this season.
“Not getting quality shots has been hurting us all season.”
The Bucks shot 40% from the field and 39% from three as they dropped their third straight game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Bucks next play Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. EST in Turner’s Indiana homecoming.