The Milwaukee Bucks let a 14-point lead slip away in their season opening loss
Jon Leuer
at Charlotte on Monday. They almost let a 20-point lead get away in the home opener at the Bradley Center but held on for a 98-95 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Former Badger Jon Leuer’s 3-point play with 1:17 left helped the Bucks hang on and even their record at 1-1 to start the season. Leuer finished with 14-points on 5 of 7 shooting from the field. He pulled down 8-rebounds.
AUDIO: Jon Leuer on his late 3-point play :15
Brandon Jennings scored 24 and Stephen Jackson 16 points to lead the Bucks, who were playing without forward Drew Gooden because of a suspension and several other key players due to injury.
Kevin Love had 31 points and 20 rebounds for the Timberwolves, whose late rally came up just short.
The Timberwolves had cut the Bucks lead to 94-92 with 1:42 left. That’s when Leuer took a pass from Brandon Jennings and scored while being fouled. He converted the free throw for a 97-92 lead which turned out to be the game winner.
Bucks coach Scott Skiles isn’t happy about his team taking their foot off the gas in the second half and letting Minnesota back in the game. Skiles said the Bucks need to work on closing out games.
AUDIO: Scott Skiles said the Bucks need to improve on closing out games :22
The Bucks are now off until Friday when they host the Washington Wizards at the Bradley Center.