Dunking With Wolves
Fansided

Jimmy Butler’s best games under Tom Thibodeau

By Cooper Langby

Apr 2, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 2, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) shoots over New Orleans Pelicans forward Solomon Hill (44) during the first half at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) shoots over New Orleans Pelicans forward Solomon Hill (44) during the first half at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

#5 – 22 points, 14 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 blocks in 50 minutes

This game showcased a bit of everything from Jimmy Buckets in a 2013 win against the Knicks.

Butler grabbed seven offensive boards on his way to a then-career-high 14 rebounds. Butler also managed 22 points on 60% shooting, including 2-of-3 on three-pointers.

A performance of this sort would certainly be welcome in Minnesota next season. Thibodeau is renowned for giving long minutes to his players. It happened with Zach LaVine last year, and we can imagine it will be happening from Butler this year. However, if Butler can consistently put up stats such as these when playing long minutes, all will be good for the Timberwolves.

With Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins already averaging 20+ points per game, the addition of Butler will create a dominant offensive force, whilst Butler’s superior defensive ability over LaVine should improve the Timberwolves’ defensive rating.

With Towns and Dieng on the court, it’s unlikely Butler will need to grab as many rebounds on a regular basis, but what team wouldn’t be happy with a player grabbing seven offensive boards?

Combine these stats with Butler’s three steals and three blocks, and he had a dominant game.