Wolves Power Rankings: Alpha-Butler is in full force
After a short, unexpected hiatus, the Dunking With Wolves Power Rankings returns this week. Checking out the best performers in Minnesota Timberwolves ball over the past seven days.
It was another typical week in Minnesota Timberwolves fandom, with enthralling highs and hair-greying lows all wrapped up into a nice neat little package.
The Wolves finished 2-2 for the week, one in which they played every game in the Target Center and are now 19-13, good for fourth in the Western Conference.
The fun wins over Sacramento Kings and Portland Trail Blazers were somewhat overshadowed by the fourth quarter slip-ups that saw Minnesota drop winnable games to the Philadelphia 76ers and the Phoenix Suns.
The power rankings week started with Philly, and despite leading for the majority of the game, and forcing a whopping 24 turnovers, the Wolves fell at the finish line. Losing in OT 118-112.
Next up was a rare blowout win over the Kings, a game that garnered no complaints from anyone in the Twin Cities. The Wolves nailing 56 percent of their field goals and 47 percent of their long bombs, winning 119-96.
The fall-from-in-front loss to the Suns was a different story, with the Wolves dropping the game 108-106 on an 11-24 3-point barrage from Phoenix, despite looking like they were in cruise control for the most part of the contest.
The bright green statement jerseys did make their debut, however, which were greeted with mixed responses.
It looked to be getting worse against a dangerous Trail Blazers team to finish the week, but 27 combined fourth quarter points from Jamal Crawford (16) and Jimmy Butler (11) ensured the Wolves pulled the proverbial rabbit out of the hat.
Finishing the power rankings week with a thrilling 108-107 win.
Let’s check out who the best performers were!