Ware supplies Milwaukee’s strongest rebounding line
Kel’el Ware recorded 14 points and 12 rebounds off the bench in the Milwaukee Bucks’ 116–97 preseason loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves at Fiserv Forum on October 5 US time, October 6 in the Philippines.
Ware played 23 minutes and 33 seconds, the longest appearance among Milwaukee players. He made five of 11 shots, including two of six three-pointers, and converted both free throws.
His 12 rebounds consisted of three offensive boards and nine defensive rebounds. He also added a steal and a block without a turnover, giving Milwaukee production in several categories during a game in which the team shot only 33 percent overall.
Ware’s scoring placed him one point behind team leader Ryan Rollins, who finished with 15. Tyler Herro and Gary Trent Jr. each added 11. No other Buck reached double figures.
Myles Turner started at center and recorded seven points and five rebounds in 19 minutes and seven seconds. Ware’s larger workload and double-double provide separate information about the reserve minutes, but do not establish a permanent change in Milwaukee’s frontcourt hierarchy.
The Bucks remained within five points after three quarters before Minnesota won the fourth 35–21. Milwaukee made 16 three-pointers, including Ware’s two, but struggled to finish inside the arc and was outrebounded 51–47.
Ware’s individual rebounding performance was therefore a positive within a broader team problem. His 12 boards accounted for more than a quarter of Milwaukee’s recorded rebounds, offering the Bucks a productive reserve showing to build on during preseason.