Fri Apr 11 01:20:00 UTC 2025: **Timberwolves Collapse in Stunning Loss to Bucks, Playoff Hopes Take Hit**
MILWAUKEE – The Minnesota Timberwolves suffered a devastating 110-103 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night, blowing a 24-point lead in the final ten minutes of the game. The collapse, which saw the Bucks outscore the Wolves 39-8 in the fourth quarter, dropped Minnesota to eighth place in the Western Conference, jeopardizing their hopes for a direct playoff berth.
The loss marked only the fifth time since the NBA began tracking play-by-play data in 1996-97 that a team overcame a 24-point deficit in the fourth quarter to win, and only the third time without overtime. The Timberwolves attributed their collapse to Milwaukee’s effective zone defense in the final frame, which limited Minnesota to a dismal 4-of-20 shooting and eight turnovers.
Despite the setback, coach Chris Finch expressed confidence in his team’s ability to recover. Players echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the need to learn from the mistake but emphasizing the importance of moving forward. While acknowledging the Bucks’ zone defense disrupted their offensive flow, the Timberwolves admitted they failed to adjust effectively.
Despite the crushing defeat, Minnesota remains within striking distance of a better playoff seed. They are only one game out of fourth place and boast a strong record against their direct competitors for playoff positioning. The team faces crucial upcoming games against Memphis, Brooklyn, and Utah, with the possibility of other teams suffering losses in head-to-head matchups that could benefit Minnesota’s standings. Guard Anthony Edwards emphasized the importance of their next game against Memphis, calling it “the biggest game of the season.” The Timberwolves will need to quickly regroup and secure wins to solidify their playoff positioning and avoid the play-in tournament.
First Piper 