The young Bucks made a strong effort towards a victory Friday night, but were outdone by the combination of Andrew Wiggins and Karl Anthony-Towns. The two proved too much to handle as the Timberwolves escaped with a 112-108 victory.
The duo of Wiggins and Towns were monumental for Minnesota all night. Wiggins led all scorers with 24 points and Towns added in 18. Shabazz Muhammad, the player selected one pick ahead of Giannis Antetokounmpo in the 2013 NBA Draft, finished with 19 points in 23 minutes off the bench.
photo: bucks.com
The star of the night for Milwaukee was definitely Antetokounmpo. Since he is suspended for Opening Night against the Knicks for his spat with Mike Dunleavy in Game 6, Jason Kidd opted to have Antetokounmpo come off the bench. Antetokounmpo responded by posting 23 points and seven rebounds in only 33 minutes of play. He also mixed in three blocks, two steals and an assist.
Michael Carter-Williams was a late scratch by Jason Kidd, purely for rest. Jerryd Bayless, who filled in for Carter-Williams, had himself a night with 18 points on 5-10 shooting.
Khris Middleton posted yet another strong performance, as he wrapped up his preseason with a 19 point show. The Bucks shooting guard hit a single three and knocked down a few fade away jumpers, something that has become a signature asset to his game.
Greg Monroe had a night he would like to forget, posting only five points and only going 2-12 from the floor.
The Bucks now advance to the regular season after finishing the preseason with a record of 2-4. It is now on to the regular season when Milwaukee hosts the New York Knicks Wednesday night at the BMO Harris Bradley Center, the Bucks’ first time opening the season at home in 31 years.