After beating the Nuggets before the All-Star Break, the Milwaukee Bucks(36-21) beat the Minnesota Timberwolves(39-17) by a score of 112-107. The win included another fourth-quarter masterclass by starting point guard Damian Lillard and another stellar offensive/defensive performance by Giannis Antetokoumpo(having 33 points and 13 rebounds).

Though Lillard’s in-game statistics are poor, they are an inaccurate demonstration of his impact on the game. Lillard, for the game as a whole, shot 34.8% from the field and 25% from the three-point line(according to Pro Basketball Reference), both being underwhelming numbers for one of the greatest modern three-point shooters. 

However, his ability to perform as the game clock runs down was the catalyst needed to drive the Bucks over the first-seeded team in the West. In the fourth quarter alone, Damian Lillard shot 66.7% from the field and went 1-2 from the three point line. His clutch fourth quarter shots included an impressive three-pointer with 3:09 remaining to put the Bucks up 103-94, and another mid-range jumper to basically end the game, giving Milwaukee a five point lead with ten seconds remaining in the game.

Although the Bucks still maintain a subpar 4-7 record since the acquiring of Doc Rivers, the win against Minnesota proves to the National Basketball Association that the Bucks have the talent and coaching to take down the League’s best teams.