Who would have imagined that, with a 10-2 January record, they continue to own the NBA's best record in the New Year?

Certainly not Randy Foye.

"Definitely not," the Wolves guard said. "The way we were playing, we weren't even playing mediocre Basketball. Basically, we were playing win one, lose six, win one, lose six. Every time we won a game, it felt like we won the championship. But now, if you look around here, we win these games and it's like we're supposed to beat these teams. We're supposed to come out every night and win.

"When we lose, we're mad, we're upset. Before, it was like we were supposed to lose. It's a different attitude now with the Timberwolves."

The Wolves have completely reversed course by beating a succession of teams -- Golden State, Chicago, the Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans and now Milwaukee -- missing one or more valued starters.

The Bucks played the first game of the rest of their season without star Michael Redd, who tore two knee ligaments on Saturday against Sacramento, and they also did without starting center Andrew Bogut, who missed his seventh consecutive game because of back spasms.

"To me, they're the worst teams to play," Wolves forward Al Jefferson said. "When they're missing key guys, the other guys want to show their coach they can play. You've got to jump on those teams and let them know it's not a winnable game."

The Wolves led by four at halftime, then used a 27-17 third quarter to take a 16-point lead that the Bucks three times reduced to five points in the game's final five minutes.

Jefferson delivered one last statement to Western Conference coaches before they submit All-Star Game ballots today. He followed Sunday's 39-point performance in a comeback overtime victory over Chicago with a 23-point, 10-rebound night in which he provided two pivotal plays:

He picked up a rolling ball that Ramon Sessions tried to save and muscled in a layup to regain a seven-point lead, 83-76, with 3 minutes, 45 seconds left. After the Bucks again pulled within five, Jefferson passed through a defense collapsing around him and found Ryan Gomes open for a vital three-pointer with 1:46 left.

The Wolves now are 5-1 in their past six road games.

"I didn't see this coming," said guard Sebastian Telfair, who left the game with four minutes left and limped out of Bradley Center because of a bruised thigh he said will be fine. "Not like this, not based on the way we were playing. But we're here now, and we're doing it."

GAME RECAP

MVP

Al Jefferson, Wolves

Ryan Gomes gets consideration for his 22 points, but Jefferson's 23-point, 10-rebound night included an important garbage basket and a pass from a triple team that created a Gomes three-pointer. Each repelled the Bucks after they pulled within five points late.

NUMBERS

27 Wolves three-point attempts, which coach Kevin McHale called too "three-point happy." They made just eight.

JERRY ZGODA

Up next: 7 p.m. Wednesday vs. Detroit - Target Center - TV: FSN (1130-AM)