Kyle Kuzma spoke candidly about Milwaukee’s 103-100 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on Sunday, pointing to the third quarter as the turning point. “I think the difference was the third quarter. We came out, probably took some shots that we’ve been talking about not taking and didn’t play defense… they hit shots and got the game back after a really great first half,” Kuzma said.
He emphasized the impact of Minnesota’s 23-4 run. “We just didn’t play defense. They hit some shots, they had some swings… we didn’t get the best quality shots offensively. I think that is something that has been hurting us all season,” Kuzma explained.
Offensively, Kuzma felt spacing was solid despite adjustments in lineup. “Pretty good… just getting to play with Myles and Bobby at the same time. Less rolls, less opportunities to do those types of things, but I’m a basketball player and you just have to figure it out,” he said.
Kuzma also addressed a critical late-game foul. “I was guarding him really well for about 14 seconds and obviously everything was loud. I thought I heard foul from the bench… turns out it was no foul. Wish we could take that one back,” he admitted.
Looking ahead to the Bucks’ road schedule, Kuzma stressed the importance of consistency. “Some games we’ve had this, you know, just recently too… Boston played at this type of level and then we come out and play the Nets. We just have to have a mature mentality and approach the next game,” he said.
He noted the motivational effect of Myles Turner’s homecoming. “Hopefully that gives us some sense of urgency and we can prevail… even going back to last year, they’ve had our number,” Kuzma added.
Minnesota trailed by as many as 16 points before a decisive third-quarter surge, outscoring Milwaukee 27-15. Anthony Edwards scored 24 points, including a driving layup with 21 seconds left that proved decisive. Rudy Gobert posted 11 points and 18 rebounds, reaching 10,000 career boards.
Donte DiVincenzo contributed 18 points with four three-pointers, while Terrence Shannon Jr. hit three consecutive triples in a 2½-minute span to swing momentum. Mike Conley returned after a four-game absence, and Jaden McDaniels exited with left hip pain.
Minnesota improved to 19-10 with nine wins in their last 11 games. Milwaukee fell to 11-18 and will visit Indiana on Tuesday, while the Timberwolves host New York in their next matchup.
