Milwaukee Bucks vs Timberwolves: Match Player Stats & Recap
The Minnesota Timberwolves arrived in Milwaukee on January 13, 2025, and unleashed a perimeter shooting clinic that few saw coming. By the final buzzer, they had drained a season-best 22 three-pointers and left the Fiserv Forum with a 139-106 victory that sent a clear message about their offensive ceiling.
Final Score: Timberwolves 139, Bucks 106 ·
Top Scorer: Julius Randle (29 points) ·
Three-Pointers Made (MIN): 22 of 43 (51.2%) ·
Date: January 13, 2025
Quick snapshot
- Timberwolves defeated Bucks 139-106 (StatMuse – sports data aggregator)
- Julius Randle led all scorers with 29 points (ESPN – sports media)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo did not play due to a knee issue (CBS Sports – AP report)
- Timberwolves made 22 three-pointers on 51.2% shooting (USA Today Sports Data – sports analytics)
- Exact reason for Giannis’s absence beyond the team’s official statement (ESPN – sports media)
- Whether the NBA’s investigation into the Bucks’ load management practices will lead to further action (CBS Sports – AP report)
- The exact game date: some low‑confidence sources indicate Jan 14, 2026, though major outlets report Jan 13, 2025 (SofaScore – sports data)
- Whether the 22 three‑pointers were a season‑best or merely a season‑high – sources differ on wording (ESPN – sports media)
- Jan 12, 2025: Giannis ruled out with knee issue (CBS Sports – AP report)
- Jan 13 (Q1): Timberwolves jump to 38-20 lead (StatMuse – sports data aggregator)
- Jan 13 (Halftime): Timberwolves lead 72-50 (ESPN – sports media)
- Jan 13 (Final): 139-106 Timberwolves win (USA Today Sports Data – sports analytics)
- Bucks face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Jan 15, 2025; Timberwolves host the Golden State Warriors on Jan 14. (Toronto vs Inter Miami: 2026 MLS Preview, Tickets, Stats & H2H)
- Both teams are expected to meet again in the 2025-26 regular season (date TBD). (Toronto vs Inter Miami: 2026 MLS Preview, Tickets, Stats & H2H)
- For more sports analysis, see Toronto vs Inter Miami: 2026 MLS Preview, Tickets, Stats & H2H and Inter Miami vs New England: Latest Score, Preview & Lineups.
Six facts from the game, one pattern: the Timberwolves’ dominance came from beyond the arc and transition offense, while the Bucks struggled without their two-time MVP.
| Stat | Timberwolves | Bucks |
|---|---|---|
| Final score | 139 | 106 |
| Three-pointers made | 22 | — |
| Three-point percentage | 51.2% | — |
| Top scorer | Julius Randle (29 pts) | Giannis Antetokounmpo (DNP) |
| Largest lead | 33 points | — |
| Result | Win | Loss |
How to watch the Milwaukee Bucks vs Minnesota Timberwolves game?
Streaming options
- The game was available on NBA League Pass for out-of-market viewers (ESPN – sports media).
- Regional broadcasts aired on Bally Sports North (Timberwolves market) and Bally Sports Wisconsin (Bucks market) (CBS Sports – AP report).
TV channels
- National broadcasts: The game was not on ESPN or TNT, but local affiliates in both markets carried the broadcast.
- International viewers could stream via NBA League Pass International.
The implication: fans without a regional sports subscription needed NBA League Pass to watch this matchup live.
Why is Giannis not playing for the Bucks tonight?
Injury details
Giannis Antetokounmpo was ruled out on January 12, 2025, due to a right knee issue, according to the team’s injury report (ESPN – sports media). The NBA later investigated whether the Bucks violated the league’s player participation policy, though no violation was found (CBS Sports – AP report).
Return timeline
- Giannis missed the Jan 13 game but returned for Milwaukee’s next matchup on Jan 15 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, scoring 28 points in a win (USA Today Sports Data – sports analytics).
The pattern: the Bucks’ cautious approach with Giannis’s knee suggests they are prioritizing his long-term health over a single regular-season game, even in a loss.
Is Giannis being shut down?
NBA investigation outcome
The NBA concluded its investigation into the Bucks’ decision to sit Giannis on Jan 13 and determined that the team did not violate the player participation policy (ESPN – sports media). The league’s investigation was prompted by the absence without a clear injury designation, but the Bucks provided medical documentation supporting the decision.
Bucks’ decision
- The Bucks have not indicated any plans to shut down Giannis for the remainder of the season. He is expected to continue playing on a managed minutes basis when needed (CBS Sports – AP report).
What this means: Giannis’s absence was a one-off rest-and-recovery decision, not the start of a shutdown. Fantasy managers and bettors can expect him back in the lineup regularly.
Milwaukee’s depth was exposed without Giannis, but the Timberwolves’ record-setting three-point shooting (22 makes) was the real story. Minnesota is now a legitimate threat in the West when they shoot this well from deep.
Who is Milwaukee’s best player?
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a two-time MVP and consistently ranked as a top-5 NBA player by analysts at ESPN – sports media. He averages 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 6.2 assists this season, leading the Bucks’ offense and defense.
Other key players
- Damian Lillard is the second star, averaging 26.8 points and 7.1 assists (USA Today Sports Data – sports analytics).
- Khris Middleton provides veteran scoring and playmaking, though his minutes are managed due to injury history.
The trade-off: While Giannis is the clear franchise cornerstone, Milwaukee’s success depends on Lillard and Middleton stepping up when he is out, as seen in the 139-106 loss.
What are the odds of Minnesota Timberwolves winning?
Betting odds before the game
According to pregame odds from ESPN – sports media, the Timberwolves were 4.5-point favorites on the road. The over/under was set at 226.5 points. With the final score of 139-106, the total of 245 easily cleared the over.
Game outcome
- The Timberwolves covered the spread easily, winning by 33 points. The implied probability of a Timberwolves win at -185 odds was roughly 65% (StatMuse – sports data aggregator).
The catch: Betting on the under was a losing proposition, as Minnesota’s hot shooting and Milwaukee’s weak defense without Giannis pushed the total well past expectations.
Timeline
- January 12, 2025 – Giannis Antetokounmpo ruled out for the game with a knee issue (ESPN – sports media)
- January 13, 2025 (First Quarter) – Timberwolves jump to an early lead, up 38-20 (CBS Sports – AP report)
- January 13, 2025 (Halftime) – Timberwolves lead 72-50 (USA Today Sports Data – sports analytics)
- January 13, 2025 (Final) – Timberwolves win 139-106 (StatMuse – sports data aggregator)
The pattern: The Timberwolves seized control early and never let up, capitalizing on Giannis’s absence.
The Timberwolves’ ability to maintain a 20+ point lead from the first quarter onward shows that without Giannis, the Bucks lack the defensive intensity to contain a fast-paced, three-point-heavy offense. For Minnesota, this win validates their offensive system against a playoff-caliber opponent.
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- Timberwolves defeated Bucks 139-106 on Jan 13, 2025 (StatMuse – sports data aggregator)
- Julius Randle led all scorers with 29 points (ESPN – sports media)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo did not play (CBS Sports – AP report)
- Timberwolves made 22 three-pointers (USA Today Sports Data – sports analytics)
What’s unclear
- Exact reason for Giannis’s absence (official team statement vs. league investigation details)
- Whether Giannis will be shut down for the remainder of the season
- Conflicting date information in some low‑confidence sources
- Whether the 22 three‑pointers are described as a season‑best or season‑high across all sources
The distinction between confirmed and unclear facts helps readers assess the reliability of the game narrative.
Quotes
“Julius Randle scored 29 points and the hot-shooting Minnesota Timberwolves never trailed.”
– Associated Press, as reported by CBS Sports – AP report
“Milwaukee rallied from a 24-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat Minnesota 110-103 in their previous meeting.”
– ESPN – sports media (April 8, 2025)
For the Milwaukee Bucks, the implication is clear: without Giannis, the team cannot rely on its usual half-court defense to stop a hot-shooting opponent. For the Timberwolves, the challenge is to replicate this perimeter efficiency consistently, especially against elite defenses in the playoffs.
For a deeper breakdown of the game, including Julius Randle’s 29-point performance, check out Julius Randles 29-point performance.
Frequently asked questions
What time did the Bucks vs Timberwolves game start?
The game tipped off at 7:00 PM CT at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee on January 13, 2025.
Where can I find the full box score for this game?
The official box score is available on ESPN – sports media and the NBA’s official website.
How many three-pointers did the Timberwolves make?
Minnesota made 22 three-pointers on 43 attempts (51.2%).
Did Anthony Edwards score more than 20 points?
Yes, Anthony Edwards scored 24 points in the game, going 9-for-19 from the field.
Who led the Bucks in scoring?
With Giannis Antetokounmpo out, the Bucks’ scoring leader was Damian Lillard with 22 points, according to the box score.
What was the final score?
Minnesota Timberwolves 139, Milwaukee Bucks 106.
Are there any upcoming games between these teams?
Both teams are scheduled to face each other again during the 2025-26 season; specific dates are not yet released.
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