The Minnesota Timberwolves (19-10) shook off a poor shooting start and escaped with a close 103-100 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks (11-18) on December 22.
Here are the key stats and the top performers of the game:
BEST PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Anthony Edwards MIN SG 24 PTS | 4 REB | 6 AST | 39.8 FPS
Edwards had a difficult time offensively, finishing 2-for-11 from the three-point area. But he remained productive, averaging 30 points in his last three games. He ranks 8th in the league in scoring this season, putting up 28.3 points per game.
BREAKOUT PERFORMANCE:
Kevin Porter Jr. MIL SG 24 PTS | 10 REB | 9 AST | 58.5 FPS
KPJ stuffed the stat sheet and was nearly finished with his second triple-double of the season. He’s been highly productive this month, averaging 22.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 8.6 assists, and 2.6 steals in eight games.
SCORING MACHINES:
Bobby Portis MIL PF 16 PTS | 11 REB | 1 STL | 30.7 FPS
Portis registered his eighth 15-point performance of the season despite not attempting a single free throw. He continues to step up on offense, averaging 19.2 points over his last four games.
Ryan Rollins MIL PG 16 PTS | 4 REB | 5 AST | 31.3 FPS
Rollins finished with his 28th double-digit scoring game and his 22nd 5-assist performance of the season.
STAT SPECIALIST:
Kyle Kuzma MIL PF 12 PTS | 10 REB | 4 AST | 26.0 FPS
Kuzma finished 6-for-8 from the line and scored in double-figures for the fifth consecutive game. He also added his third 10+ rebounding game of the season.
DEFENSIVE STANDOUT:
Rudy Gobert MIN C 11 PTS | 18 REB | 3 AST | 43.1 FPS
Gobert matched his season-high in rebounds and surpassed 10,000 career boards to become just the 45th player in NBA history to reach the mark. He has been dominant in that department, averaging 14.8 rebounds over his last five games and ranking second in the league in total rebounds this season.
THE SHARPSHOOTER:
Donte DiVincenzo MIN SG 18 PTS | 4-8 3PT | 5 REB | 33.0 FPS
DiVincenzo has been steady offensively, averaging 18.2 points and 3.8 three-pointers over his last five games. He’s been one of the league’s best shooters this season, ranking sixth in total three-pointers made.
THE X-FACTOR:
Mike Conley MIN PG 6 PTS | 5 REB | 6 AST | 30.0 FPS
Mike filled the stat sheet with positive contributions, including posting his seventh 5-assist game of the season.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Terrence Shannon Jr. MIN SG 11 PTS | 3-5 3PT | 1 STL | 14.0 FPS
Shannon came through on offense, finishing with his fourth double-digit scoring performance of the season.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE GAME:
Julius Randle MIN PF 12 PTS | 7 REB | 2 STL
Randle turned in a positive all-around performance, but his scoring was lackluster, finishing with his fewest scoring game of the month and the third time this season with 12 points or less.
