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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Jan 25, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) dribbles the ball against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at the United Center. Atlanta defeats Chicago 119-114. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) dribbles the ball against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at the United Center. Atlanta defeats Chicago 119-114. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

#2 – 26 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, one block in 40 minutes

Jimmy Butler managed to record an effort in every major statistical category. And while it wasn’t a triple-double, or even a double-double, Butler’s efforts in every facet of the game lifted the Thibodeau-coached Bulls to a win over Denver. Butler shot 57.1 percent from the field and was an impressive 9-for-9 from the free throw line.

Contributing in every part of the game lifted Chicago on both ends of the court. Twenty-six points and eight assists created offensive power. Eight rebounds, two steals and a block highlight defensive force. Butler contributed everywhere where he was needed as he took charge for the Bulls in this game.

A 26-point performance while shooting above 55 percent from the field is a huge effort, and combined with his assists speaks to Butler’s dominant offensive talents. Tom Thibodeau had to be happy with this performance, and I’m sure this is the kind of effort he hopes to see when Butler dons a Wolves jersey next season.

The “Big Three” era of Towns, Wiggins and LaVine may be over already, but the new Big Three of Towns, Wiggins and Butler may just make the Timberwolves playoff-ready this year.