The Minnesota Timberwolves secured a 112-100 home win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night, improving their season record to 5-3. LaMelo Ball led the charge with a season-high 34 points, including six three-pointers, as the Timberwolves pulled away in the fourth quarter. This result, from November 2, 2026, gives Minnesota a 2W-3L record in their last five games.
Ball was electric from the opening tip. Despite being listed as questionable with a right wrist contusion, he scored 13 of Minnesota's first 17 points. His 24 points in the first half alone matched his previous season high for an entire game. In the third quarter, Ball hit his third three-pointer of the night, making him the fastest player in NBA history to reach 1,000 career threes. He achieved the milestone in just 311 games.
His sixth three-pointer of the game came midway through the fourth quarter, pushing the Timberwolves' lead to 96-81 and effectively sealing the victory. Ball's performance was the engine for an offense that otherwise struggled, finishing with season lows in both points and shooting percentage at 42.7%.
Ayo Dosunmu provided a vital double-double with 19 points and a season-high 12 rebounds. Jaden McDaniels was also instrumental, especially during the decisive run. He scored six points to start an 11-3 surge to open the fourth quarter, giving Minnesota its first double-digit lead since the first period. McDaniels finished with 13 points. In total, six Timberwolves players scored in double figures, providing balanced support around Ball's explosive night.
The team did it while shorthanded. Already missing Anthony Edwards for several months due to knee surgery, they were also without guard Terrence Shannon Jr., who sat with a left hip contusion.
This victory snapped a two-game skid that included a 121-111 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on October 31. It showed the team can grind out a win even when their shooting is off. Milwaukee shot a season-worst 38.4% from the field, but Minnesota's defense deserves credit for making life difficult. It was the first time all season the Bucks were held under 127 points in a loss.
The win provides momentum as the Timberwolves look ahead to their next challenge. They face the Houston Rockets on the road on November 4, 2026. Finding consistency will be key for a team whose recent form reads WLWLL.
Milwaukee's struggles continued, dropping to 1-6 to start the season. Tyler Herro led them with 21 points, while Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 19. Rookie Brayden Burries, the 10th overall pick, made his first start but managed only nine points on 4-for-15 shooting. The Bucks now travel to face the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, searching for answers to their early-season woes.
