Return of the Butler
Jimmy Butler is back. Despite playing limited minutes in last nights game vs. the Lakers, Jimmy carried the Timberwolves to a 113-96 win in LA. In 23 minutes, Butler scored 18 points, had 2 rebounds, and was all over defensively with 4 steals. It was clear to see that when Jimmy was on the floor, the defensive effort and energy was way higher than it ever was when he was out. Jimmy did struggle from the free throw line, going just 4-8. I would believe that it was simply fatigue that caused the misses, as he looked tired at the line.
Karl-Anthony Towns got into foul trouble early in the 2nd quarter, causing him to have very little impact on the first half. Without Towns, the Wolves offense was sloppy and caused them to trail 58-51 at the half. In the 2nd half, Towns played much better defense without fouling. He finished the game with 14 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks, and was a +30 when he was on the floor. Karl needs to be smart and defend without fouling through the season and potentially into the playoffs.
Andrew Wiggins was really bad in the 1st half. Like the rest of the team, Wiggy turned it around in the 2nd half. He finished with 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists.... he even made a few hustle plays!!!! Aggressive Wiggins is really good, and we need to see that from him every night.
Jeff Teague and Taj Gibson were the only two that were solid the entire game. Taj had a night of 18 and 10, and Teague led the wolves with 25 points and 8 assists.
With this win, the Wolves are still in the 8th seed and now 1/2 game ahead of the Denver Nuggets. In addition, just 1/2 game separates the 8th seed Wolves and the 5 seed Pelicans. The Wolves could get some help today, so lets take a look at some of the big matchups.
The Denver Nuggets will face the Clippers at 2:30 this afternoon. With the Clippers essentially out of playoff contention, Wolves fans need the Clippers to win this game. Hypothetically, if the Nuggets lose this game and their game Monday vs. Portland, the Wolves could clinch the playoffs with a win over the Grizzlies that same Monday. However, I would have to believe it is going to come down to the final game at home vs. Denver.
Oklahoma City faces Houston tonight at 7:30. The Thunder are a half game in front of Minnesota, so a loss would bump the Wolves ahead due to the tie-breaker. In a playoff setting, I would take the Rockets all day, but Houston has already locked up the 1 seed leaving them with little to play for.
A similar matchup between New Orleans and Golden State also takes place at 7:30. Golden State has been struggling recently without Steph Curry, and they also have little to play for. A loss would propel the Wolves in front of the Pels due to a tie-breaker, but if Anthony Davis continues to dominate, New Orleans could pull out a win.
Finally, the Spurs host Portland at 8:00 tonight. The Spurs are a half game ahead of Minnesota, but hold the tie-breaker. Regardless, it would be good for Wolves fans to see the Spurs drop down in the standings.
The Timberwolves could get a lot of help today, or they may get no help at all. The best scenario would leave the Wolves in the 6th seed after tonight's matchups. Regardless, Minnesota still holds their own destiny, and by winning their final two games, they would lock up a playoff spot for the first time since 2004. With Jimmy Butler back in the lineup, things are looking up after a tough stretch for the Wolves.
-Brett Buckingham