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Timberwolves Power Rankings: Wolves start to click for Christmas

By Jake Paynting

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 8: Karl-Anthony Towns #32, Andrew Wiggins #22, and Taj Gibson #67 of the Minnesota Timberwolves meet with team during game against the Golden State Warriors on November 8, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 8: Karl-Anthony Towns #32, Andrew Wiggins #22, and Taj Gibson #67 of the Minnesota Timberwolves meet with team during game against the Golden State Warriors on November 8, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 29: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves warms up before a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on November 29, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 29: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves warms up before a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on November 29, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

1. Jimmy Butler (1)

Season stats: 37.3 MPG – 20.7 PPG – 5.5 RPG – 4.8 APG – 46.8% FG – 33% 3PT – 86.9% FT

Weekly stats: 37.9 MPG – 26.7 PPG – 4.3 RPG – 5.0 APG – 53.7% FG – 14.3% 3PT – 95.2% FT

The holiday period is a time for giving.

Jimmy Butler must know this, and it must be the reason why he has given us fans buckets each and every time he has stepped on an NBA court. For the whole month. Week ten of the power rankings was no different, as Butler willed his team to a perfect record, maintaining his place atop the rankings Christmas tree in the process.

The three-time All-Star started out the week in typical fashion, dragging the Wolves to a win with 25 points on 8-15 shooting, including the dagger to cap an 11-point last term.

In Phoenix it was the same tale, as Butler exploded for 32 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. This time the superstar added 12 fourth quarter points. His 6.0 points per game in fourth quarters now ranks him 14th in the NBA.

Not to be outdone by great games from Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns, Jimmy G. Buckets had another great game in L.A. to complete the perfect power rankings week.

Butler posted 23 points, 5 rebounds and 8 dimes, shooting 11-20 from the floor.

Despite being the alpha-male and offensive force that at times carries the Timberwolves, the 6-foot-7 wing is also the Wolves defensive leader. According to NBA stats, Butler leads his team in Defensive Win Shares per game (0.040) and Total Defensive Win Shares (1.3)

The former Chicago Bulls star has taken his game to another level this season, and Timberwolves fans everywhere will be eternally grateful for the gift of Jimmy Butler.

Next: Wolves podcast: Is Minnesota's offense too slow?

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

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