Tskitishvili's Hot Shooting Ignites Minnesota in 33 Point Victory Over Milwaukee

July 15, 2005
The Minnesota Timberwolves used a hot shooting 2nd quarter from Forward Nikoloz Tskitishvili to propel themselves to a 33-point victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. Tskitishvili came off the bench to score 25 points, while Bucks Center Andrew Bogut struggled inside in his summer league debut.

The Timberwolves opened up the game by starting the 2nd quarter with a 20-4 run, during which Tskitishvili caught fire. He finished with a double-double, 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Forward Ndudi Ebi added 11 points and 9 rebounds. Paul McPherson started for the Timberwolves and hustled all around the court, and converted 5 of his 6 shots.

First overall draft pick Bogut struggled inside against Timberwolves Centers Dwayne Jones, Nick Horvath, and David Simon. Bogut picked up 5 fouls in the first half, while scoring only 3 points. He finished with 7 points in 28 minutes.

Meanwhile, Tskitishvili’s hot shooting and McPherson’s hustle fired up the Target Center crowd. Rashad McCants, the Timberwolves first round draft pick, led the cheers from the bench, despite not suiting up because of a strained right groin.

Guard John Lucas came off the bench and ran the offense well on his way to a game-high 9 assists. Jones started slowly for the Timberwolves, picking up a couple early fouls, before settling down and quieting Bogut.

The Timberwolves hope to carry their hot shooting into their next game, which is against the New York Knicks Saturday night at 7 PM. The Knicks defeated the Toronto Raptors earlier 89-81 behind 27 points from Guard Rueben Douglas.