Andrew Bogut gave the Milwaukee Bucks plenty of muscle at both ends with 17 points and 10 rebounds in an 87-72 NBA win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.

Recovering from a lower back injury that saw him miss half of last season, the big Australian was back to his aggressive best, much to the delight of Bucks coach Scott Skiles.

"He looks much more like himself. He's moving around well, facing up people," Skiles said.

"He's got a quick first step, is making some nice reads, some nice passes. We're going to him, and he's being productive right now."

Missing Michael Redd, the Bucks are hoping Bogut can maintain his form.

"It's okay," the former first draft pick said.

"There were some speed bumps along the way, but it's normal. I haven't played basketball since January. ... It's been progressing, but there's still a long way to go."

Elsewhere, LeBron James scored 33 points in his only visit to Madison Square Garden this season, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 100-91 victory over the New York Knicks.

James added nine assists and eight rebounds, but fell just short of passing Kobe Bryant as the active scoring leader at the Garden.