Against all odds, the Minnesota Timberwolves delivered a stunning victory against the Milwaukee Bucks, even with key players sidelined! On January 13, 2026, at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, the Timberwolves, despite missing stars Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert, trounced the Bucks with a final score of 139-106.
Leading the charge for Minnesota was Julius Randle, who exploded for 29 points. Bones Hyland contributed an impressive 23 points, while Naz Reid added 19. Randle's performance wasn't just about scoring; he also grabbed 8 rebounds and dished out 6 assists, showcasing his all-around game.
The absence of Edwards was due to a right foot injury, while Gobert was serving a one-game suspension after accumulating his sixth flagrant foul of the season.
Milwaukee, also dealing with absences, including Myles Turner due to illness, struggled in their return from a 2-2 road trip. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 25 points on efficient 9-of-13 shooting, alongside 8 rebounds. Bobby Portis, stepping in for Turner, added 14 points, and Kevin Porter Jr. contributed 13 points and 8 assists.
The Timberwolves set the tone early, dominating the first quarter 38-20. McDaniels was on fire, scoring 14 points in the opening period, including a perfect 4-of-4 from beyond the arc. Minnesota's hot shooting continued, hitting 8 of 13 three-pointers in the first quarter. This momentum carried them through the second quarter, leading to a commanding 76-45 halftime lead. Randle had already amassed 24 points by halftime, while Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee with 15.
The Bucks showed signs of life in the third quarter, briefly cutting the deficit to 18 points. But here's where the Timberwolves' dominance truly shone: Minnesota maintained their sharp shooting from beyond the arc and never allowed Milwaukee to close the gap further.
And this is the part most people miss: For the game, the Timberwolves shot an incredible 22-for-42 (52.4%) from three-point range and an overall 59.8% from the field. They also capitalized on 20 Milwaukee turnovers, converting them into 28 crucial points.
This victory marked a significant achievement for Minnesota, sweeping the two-game season series against their rivals for the first time since the 2021-22 season. The win also leveled the all-time series between the two teams at 36 wins apiece.
What do you think? Did the Timberwolves' performance surprise you? Do you think the absence of Edwards and Gobert ultimately made the victory even more impressive? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
