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Minnesota Timberwolves Power Rankings: Bench hierarchy is solidifying

By Jake Paynting

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 19: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives to the basket against the Detroit Pistons on November 19, 2017 at 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 19: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives to the basket against the Detroit Pistons on November 19, 2017 at 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 15: Jeff Teague #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on November 15, 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 – NOVEMBER 15: Jeff Teague #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on November 15, 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) /

4. Jeff Teague (5)

Season stats: 33.7 MPG – 13.5 PPG – 7.3 APG – 1.8 SPG – 41.1% FG – 40% 3PT – 79.2 FT

Weekly stats: 35.1 MPG – 13.0 PPG – 6.8 APG – 1.5 SPG – 42% FG – 35.3 3PT – 66.7% FT

The Jeff Teague story hasn’t changed much this year.

When Teague plays well, the Minnesota Timberwolves win the game. But when Teague plays badly, the Timberwolves more often than not fail to come out victorious. This week was no different.

Teague posted 16 points on 7-14 shooting along with 6 assists in the win over San Antonio before his 15-point, 10-assist double-double in the big win over Dallas, burying three of his six long range attempts.

When Teague is rolling, the Wolves look hard to beat.

Even with their defensive issues, with a firing Jeff Teague Minnesota can easily outscore their opponents even on their off-nights on the gritty side of the floor.

But when Teague can’t find his stroke or passing touch (see: the Pistons and Hornets games) the Timberwolves look like a team that will struggle to compete with anyone, let alone the elite teams they hope to become throughout this season.

Teague had possibly his worst game of the season against Detroit — his five turnovers and four fouls were both more than his three points — although he did have 9 assists on the night, it was a moot point as his offensive output couldn’t nearly make up for his usual turnstile-like defensive output.

In the game in Charlotte, Teague did have a better scoring game with 18 points, but his 7-18 shooting and just two assists let the team down offensively, and some Wolves heads were left shaking their heads over his spurning of Karl-Anthony Towns.

Teague had his usual up and down week, but his impressive first two games, mixed with Taj Gibson’s poor play lead to Teague getting a slight bump in the power rankings this week.

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