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Minnesota Timberwolves power rankings: There’s a new sheriff in town

By Jake Paynting

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 27: Jimmy Butler #23 and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves speak to each other during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 27, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 27: Jimmy Butler #23 and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves speak to each other during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 27, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 27: Taj Gibson #67 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 27, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 27: Taj Gibson #67 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 27, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

5. Taj Gibson (4)

Season averages: 28.3 MPG – 8.2 PPG – 5.8 RPG – 0.7 BPG – 52.3% FG – 20% 3PT – 100% FT

Weekly average: 27.6 MPG – 9.3 PPG – 4.3 RPG – 1.3 BPG – 61.9% FG – 0% 3PT – 100%  FT

It was a topsy-turvy week for Taj Gibson. Gibson, who is – like the other new Timberwolves – adjusting to his new team and new (or old?) coach.

Like pretty much every other Wolf, Gibson was dismal in the first two trashings of the week. But, despite his one place He redeemed himself enough to stay in the power rankings starting five with an impressive effort in Target Center against OKC.

He was tasked with guarding Carmelo Anthony for large stretches, and although Melo finished with 23 points on 8-15 shooting, Gibson guarded him well, Anthony was just on fire.

He chipped in an important 16 points himself on the other end, going at an even hotter 8-12 shooting, and showing why he has been so highly praised for his defensive exploits, finishing with 2 steals and a block.

Overall, it wasn’t Gibson’s most impressive week. His final game saved his numbers, but his rebounding will still need to improve for them to look really respectable.

Gibson will slide in the rankings this week, but if the effort he showed against OKC can be consistent, then he may climb his way back up.

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