(Sports Network) – Michael Beasley scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, as the Minnesota Timberwolves handled the Milwaukee Bucks, 96-85.
Kevin Love added 17 points and 16 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who opened the season with a loss to the Kings on Wednesday. Luke Ridnour tallied 13 points, seven assists, and six boards against his former team.
Corey Maggette finished with 23 points off the bench for the Bucks, who lost to the Hornets on Wednesday. Brandon Jennings and Drew Gooden had 14 and 12 points, respectively, in defeat.
Minnesota trailed for the majority of the first quarter, but the home team scored the final six points of the period to get within one, 28-27.
The Timberwolves took the lead early in the second and held a 47-44 advantage with two minutes remaining. Minnesota then went on an 8-2 flurry to close out the half. Ridnour’s free throw made it a 55-46 game at the break.
Beasley’s three-pointer gave Minnesota a 68-51 margin with 5 1/2 minutes to go in the third. The Bucks were able to make it a 74-64 game heading to the fourth.
Milwaukee never threatened in the final quarter.
Game Notes
The Bucks won both contests with Minnesota last season…The Timberwolves outrebounded the Bucks by a 62-39 margin…Minnesota shot 37.6 percent from the field, compared to 35.6 percent for Milwaukee.