A strong performance from Michael Carter-Williams propelled the Milwaukee Bucks to a 106-88 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in an exhibition game Tuesday night in Madison.
Carter-Williams had 16 points to go along with seven rebounds and five assists. The point guard scored an important 11 points in the third quarter, where Milwaukee saw its two-point halftime lead balloon to 20.
Consistency was a key cog to the Bucks’ success to recording a victory. Four of the five starters tallied double digit scoring totals, as well as two off the bench.
Khris Middleton mixed in a solid performance along with Carter-Williams, notching 17 points, making him the Bucks’ leading scorer for the game. The lanky shooting guard also added in six rebounds.
Big man Greg Monroe continued to assert his dominance, recording his second double double in the last three games. Monroe finished with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
photo: wiscnews.com
The game was played in Madison, as an effort to rally back some of the statewide fan base, a presence that the Bucks have lost in recent years. The atmosphere was wild, especially when Giannis Antetokounmpo threw down a wild put back dunk. The Greek Freak concluded the game with 12 points on 4-11 shooting, including one three-pointer.
Shabazz Muhammad led Minnesota in scoring with 18 points. Rookie of the Year Andrew Wiggins scored 14.
The most nostalgic moment of the night came when Marcus Landry, who played for the Wisconsin Badgers from 2005 to 2009, made an appearance for the Bucks. The Kohl Center gave him a worthy standing ovation when he checked in. Landry responded by making a layup and later knocking down a three, both of which received a large applause from the crowd.
The Bucks will now wrap up their preseason schedule this Friday when they travel to Minneapolis to play the Timberwolves. The home opener is only a week away from today, when the Bucks open up against the New York Knicks.