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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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LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 06: Jamal Crawford #11 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during a 113-107 Timberwolves win over the LA Clippers at Staples Center on December 6, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 06: Jamal Crawford #11 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during a 113-107 Timberwolves win over the LA Clippers at Staples Center on December 6, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

7. Jamal Crawford (8)

Season stats: 17.8 MPG – 9.3 PPG – 2.2 APG – 0.5 SPG – 40.8% FG – 33.6% 3PT – 94.1% FT

Weekly stats: 19.4 MPG – 8.3 PPG – 3.5 APG – 0.5 SPG – 42.4% FG – 15.4% 3PT – 100% FT

After admitting his lower minute total was a “surprise“, It was only a matter of time before we saw Jamal Crawford step up and take more playing time.

We had to wait until the end of the power rankings week to see the explosion, however.

Crawford’s combined 10 points on a ghastly 4-17 shooting over the 76ers, Kings and Suns games may have felt like a storm, but the rainbow that arrived in the Portland game was worth the wait.

Crawford exploded for a season-high 23 points on 10-16 shooting, with the deep jumpers falling and the mid-range jumper looking as wet as it has all season. The real show though was the fourth quarter barrage that J-Crossover put on.

The 3x Sixth Man Of The Year dropped 16 of his 23 points when it mattered most, finishing with a team-high +12 in the miracle comeback win.

After the game, while still on the court with Marney Gellner, JC was quick to deflect the praise, typical of the classy veteran he is.

"“For us, it’s just about doing it the right way, doing it as a team. I think sometimes adversity doesn’t just build character, it reveals it and tonight we answered the call” he said to a cheering Target Center crowd."

Jamal Crawford has found his rhythm, and if he can stay in it it is going to be tough for coach Thibs to give him those extra minutes he craves.

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