Monday’s loss in Cleveland was certainly understandable for the Wolves.

Minnesota is missing three of its top seven players. Cleveland is one of the two best teams in the NBA.

But Wednesday’s 103-101 loss to Milwaukee? That one was inexcusable.

Anthony Edwards delivered one of his worst performances of the season, going 10 for 33 from the field, including a missed stepback three at the buzzer to seal the defeat. It was one of a plethora of poor decisions for the 23-year-old guard, who took one difficult shot after another when other options were available.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts after making a three-point shot during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Milwaukee was without Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, its two star players. That left the Bucks short on shot creation. But you don’t need to score often when your opponent also struggles to put the ball in the bucket.

Down the stretch, Milwaukee got its buckets by attacking Minnesota within the first few seconds of the shot clock, before it could get its defense set.

Frankly, Minnesota was never ready when it needed to be Wednesday. Turnovers plagued the Wolves’ opening of the game, which helped Milwaukee build a double-digit advantage. The Bucks led 36-24 after the first quarter.

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Minnesota pulled itself back into the game on the defensive end in the second quarter, but could never really get over the hump.

Naz Reid scored 22 points and 13 rebounds for Minnesota, including a triple that put the Wolves up two in the closing minutes. Rudy Gobert added 20 points and 14 rebounds. Terrence Shannon Jr. had 11 points, six assists and five rebounds as the rookie provided a spark off the bench.

But every time Minnesota did anything, Milwaukee found an answer, often in transition. Apple Valley product Gary Trent Jr. paced the Bucks with 21 points off the bench.

The Wolves will look to head into the all-star break with a little momentum, which it will need to find Thursday against Oklahoma City.