Timberwolves Surrender 24-Point Lead in Devastating Loss to Bucks

MILWAUKEE — In a jaw-dropping fourth-quarter collapse, the Minnesota Timberwolves lost to the Milwaukee Bucks 110-103 on April 8, 2025, after leading by 24 points with just over ten minutes left in the game. The Timberwolves’ stunning defeat not only halted their bid for a sixth consecutive victory but also raised serious concerns about their playoff positioning.

The evening began with a promising performance from Minnesota, which held a commanding 95-71 lead with 10:32 remaining in the fourth quarter. However, the Wolves became complacent, failing to adjust to the Bucks’ zone defense as they were outscored 39-8 in the final minutes. Coach Chris Finch described the meltdown, saying, “We just kind of froze. We didn’t move the ball. We just over-surveyed. When we did make the pass to the middle of the floor, it was late, and then turnover, turnover, turnover.”

This loss marks one of the most notable collapses in franchise history, igniting frustration among fans and analysts who have witnessed the Timberwolves struggle to maintain leads throughout the season. The defeat dropped Minnesota to eighth place in the Western Conference with a record of 46-33, making their upcoming games vital in the playoff race.

Despite the crushing loss, Finch urged players and fans alike to remain calm. “It’s a bad fourth quarter against a zone defense. I don’t think it’s a microcosm of the season. We have three games left, and we need to focus on what’s ahead,” he stated.

In the first three quarters, the Timberwolves demonstrated their skill, amassing a 56 percent shooting rate from the field and recording 22 assists with only five turnovers. However, the team’s execution faltered dramatically in the fourth quarter. Anthony Edwards, the team’s leading scorer, echoed Finch’s frustrations, noting, “It messed us up. Big shoutout to Milwaukee.” Edwards finished the game with 25 points but struggled in the final quarter, missing all four of his shots.

The Bucks turned the tide with Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was mostly quiet throughout the game before scoring 13 points in the fourth quarter. His offensive surge provided the momentum necessary for Milwaukee to mount a staggering 34-3 run that left the Timberwolves stunned. “This was a tough loss, but we have to regroup and get ready for Memphis. That’s the biggest game of the season,” Edwards emphasized.

The Timberwolves, facing mounting pressure, must navigate their remaining three games carefully. Their next matchup against the Grizzlies on April 10 is critical, as a loss could further jeopardize their playoff hopes and push them closer to the Play-In Tournament. With the season drawing to a close and playoff aspirations on the line, Finch and his squad are looking to find resilience in the wake of their recent collapse.

As frustrations bubble within the fanbase, the Timberwolves maintain a determination to bounce back. Donte DiVincenzo stated, “Everybody in here is pissed off. But just regroup and come back because we know we have a huge game on Thursday.” Moving forward, the team must rely on their previously demonstrated abilities to close games and execute under pressure if they hope to secure a favorable playoff position.

The stakes have never been higher for the Timberwolves. Currently in eighth place, the team must not only perform well against Memphis but also secure victories in their final two games against the Brooklyn Nets and Utah Jazz to ensure they remain competitive for a top-six seed in the playoffs. A win on Thursday could shift momentum, allowing Minnesota to claw its way back toward a more advantageous playoff spot.

As the Timberwolves prepare for their pivotal matchup, the lesson from their recent collapse is clear: they cannot afford to let setbacks define their season. Finch remains optimistic, declaring, “I have every confidence that we’ll be able to bounce back. We’ve got good guys. They’ll shake it off.” With resilience as their hallmark, the Timberwolves have shown promise throughout the season, and now it’s time for them to harness it when it matters most.