The Timberwolves just proved that even without their star players, they're a force to be reckoned with! They absolutely dominated the Bucks, handing them a 139-106 defeat on Tuesday night, January 13, 2026. But here's the kicker: they did it without Anthony Edwards, their leading scorer, and Rudy Gobert, their rebounding powerhouse.
Julius Randle led the charge with a scorching 29 points as the Timberwolves showcased some incredible shooting – they never trailed for even a second. This victory marks their sixth in the last seven games, a testament to their depth and resilience. Edwards was sidelined for some preventative care on his right foot, while Gobert sat out due to a one-game suspension after accumulating his sixth flagrant foul point in Sunday's nail-biting 104-103 win against the San Antonio Spurs. For those unfamiliar, flagrant fouls are assessed points, and too many can lead to suspensions – a system designed to keep the game safer and fairer.
Adding to the good news for Minnesota, Coach Chris Finch was back on the sidelines after missing the Spurs game due to illness. It's always a boost to have your head coach back in action!
The Timberwolves' offense was firing on all cylinders, hitting a season-high 22 three-pointers out of 43 attempts and shooting a season-best 59.8% from the field overall. The Bucks simply couldn't keep up, allowing their highest point total of the season. On the other side, Milwaukee was also dealing with their own setback, as Myles Turner was sidelined with an illness, marking his first missed game of the season. Giannis Antetokounmpo did his best to carry the Bucks, putting up 25 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, but it wasn't enough to overcome Minnesota's onslaught.
From the opening tip-off, Minnesota seized control, building a commanding 76-45 lead by halftime. And this is the part most people miss... that halftime advantage was the largest in franchise history for a road game. Think about that for a second – they weren't even playing at home! The Timberwolves extended their lead to as much as 41 points in the second half, leaving no doubt about who the superior team was on this particular night.
Beyond Randle's impressive performance, Bones Hyland contributed a season-high 23 points for Minnesota, while Naz Reid added 19 and Jaden McDaniels chipped in with 17. Gobert's absence also opened the door for rookie Joan Beringer, who seized the opportunity, playing a career-high 30 minutes and posting career highs in points (13) and rebounds (5). This shows the Timberwolves' ability to adapt and find production from unexpected sources.
For the Bucks, this game was their only home contest in a grueling seven-game stretch. They were returning from a 2-2 road trip and are now heading back out on the road to face San Antonio and Atlanta. Talk about a demanding schedule!
Up Next:
* Timberwolves: Visit the Houston Rockets on Friday.
* Bucks: Visit the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some might argue that the Bucks' loss was simply due to being shorthanded and tired from their road trip. Others might say that the Timberwolves exposed some serious flaws in Milwaukee's defense. What do you think? Was this a sign of things to come for either team, or just an off night for the Bucks and a particularly hot night for the Timberwolves? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
