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Wolves Power Rankings: Alpha-Butler is in full force

By Jake Paynting

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 18: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 and Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves high five during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on December 18, 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 Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 18: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 and Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves high five during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on December 18, 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 Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 18: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers on December 18, 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 18: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers on December 18, 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) /

1. Jimmy Butler (1)

Season stats: 37.2 MPG – 20.1 PPG -5.6 RPG – 4.7 APG – 46% FG – 35.8% 3PT – 85.7% FT

Weekly stats: 38.2 MPG – 26.5 PPG – 6.3 RPG – 4.6 APG – 47.6% FG – 33.3% 3PT – 95.8% FT

Hustle, grit, clutch gene, charisma and flat out skill.

These are the things Jimmy Butler has brought to the table each and every night for the Timberwolves so far this season, and after figuring himself into the scheme of things for a few weeks, Jimmy G. Buckets has well and truly become the alpha-male of this team.

And it’s no wonder he has been dealing with a dodgy back this week, Butler has spent long periods straight carrying this Timberwolves team.

It was more of the same this week, as he fought through pain to will the Wolves to the finish line, even in the losses.

If you take out the Phoenix game against the Suns where Butler was clearly physically crippled by the back pain, Butler posted a ridiculous 32 points per game this power rankings week, while being the best defender on the entire court most times he steps on to one.

Butler leads all shooting guards in ESPN’s Real Plus-Minus, he is first in Offensive Real Plus Minus and sits sixth in the league in Defensive Real Plus Minus.

The culmination of all this was Jimmy Buckets’ explosion in the come from behind victory over the Blazers.

The 6-foot-7 guard drilled home 37 points on 12-21 shooting, nailing 2 of his 3 3-point attempts. Acting as Robin to Jamal Crawford’s Batman in the fourth quarter (11 points, +10) as the Timberwolves saved the day in Target Center to end a turbulent 5-game homestand.

Next: Wolves podcast: Tom Thibodeau's minutes issue and Wiggins' shooting woes

It seems that Jimmy Butler has decided to will this team every single night, and for that, he finishes this power rankings week once again as the king of the castle.

Tune in next week to see who the best Wolves performers are!

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