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Wolves Power Rankings: Top of the Wolves tree gets a shake-up

By Jake Paynting

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 3: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tyus Jones #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Gorgui Dieng #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrate on the court against the LA Clippers on December 3, 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 - DECEMBER 3: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tyus Jones #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Gorgui Dieng #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrate on the court against the LA Clippers on December 3, 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 28: Taj Gibson #67 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the Washington Wizards on November 28, 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 28: Taj Gibson #67 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the Washington Wizards on November 28, 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) /

2. Taj Gibson (4)

Season stats: 33.1 MPG – 11.2 PPG – 8.1 RPG – 0.9 SPG – 54.1% FG – 29.4% 3PT – 85.5% FT

Weekly stats: 38.4 MPG – 13.8 PPG – 8.2 RPG – 0.6 SPG – 54.3% FG – 50% 3PT – 90% FT

For too long this season have we referred to Taj Gibson as purely an extremely hard working glue-guy, the reality is that Gibson is the foundation of the whole team at the moment, and it can no longer be denied.

The gaudy on/off stats speak for themselves, Taj is the engine for the Wolves. He seemingly takes every offensive rebound in his vicinity, even at his undersized 6-foot-9, and is rarely out hustled by any opponent.

His hustle was well documented before he got to Minnesota, but what has surprised even the most stubborn Wolves fans is Gibson’s knack to put the ball in the hoop; consistently and effectively.

Gibson’s 54 percent field goal percentage this week was right on his season average, which is on track to blow his career-high 52.6 percent from 2015-16 out of the water. All this while also putting up 17 3-point tries, already the most of his 9-year NBA tenure.

The minutes Mr. Clean is playing is possibly the only worry of his season, especially with Bjelica missing games with his foot injury.

If Taj Gibson can stay healthy, he looks like he will continue to be the perfect compliment to the ‘big 3’ in Minnesota, but for now, he is actually outshining them.

For better or worse.

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