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Wolves Power Rankings: Stars shine through hard schedule

By Jake Paynting

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 8: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 8, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 8: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 8, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 4: Tyus Jones #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in action during the second quarter against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on January 5, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 4: Tyus Jones #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in action during the second quarter against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on January 5, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

5. Tyus Jones (5)

Season stats: 19.0 MPG – 4.7 PPG – 2.9 APG – 1.3 SPG – 45.5% FG – 33.3% 3PT – 87.2% FT

Weekly stats: 32.0 MPG – 8.5 PPG – 3.5 APG – 1.5 SPG – 42.4% FG – 9.1% 3PT – 100% FT

Whether it has been as a starter or as a reserve, Tyus Jones has been fantastic this season, and this week was no different for the ever-rising point guard as he continues to star in Jeff Teague’s absence.

The 21-year-old is not one to ever stuff the stat sheet, but he has a way of lifting the team whenever he is on the floor. Jones pushes the pace and looks to score on the break, and constantly keeps his head on a swivel in half-court sets plus his vastly improved mid-range and inside scoring touch has put a nice little bow on to the present that is Tyus Jones’ game.

The former Duke star started the power rankings week with his highest scoring output against the Nets, hitting 4 of his 9 shot attempts for his 11 points, although his single assist and 4 turnovers were very un-Jones like.

Hampered by foul trouble against Boston, Tyus Stones was unable to make as big an impact as usual. He finished with 7 points and 3 assists, this time without registering a turnover.

That’s more like it.

Jones set the tempo well against the Pelicans, helping the Timberwolves move the ball and finishing with 10 points and 2 assists in the blowout win. Another one of those games where the stat sheet didn’t reflect Jones overall contribution to the win, like his bordering-on-elite defense.

The reserve point man has been stellar all year on the gritty end of the floor, but this week has been on another level. According to NBA stats, Jones led the Wolves over the last four games in Defensive Rating, posting a ridiculous 90.5 mark.

And it was his shifty defense that led to maybe the greatest ‘Tylight’ of his young, blossoming career. Lebron James mistakenly called him ‘Tyler Jones’ in his pre-game interview, ‘Tyler’ made him remember his real name for the rest of his days.

It was shown earlier in our highlight of the week, but watching it for the 276th time won’t do any harm.

Tyus (big) Stones would finish the game with 6 points and 8 assists in the win, but make no mistake there was only one play on the minds of Minnesota fans after that throwdown, just the second one of his career.

Despite the inability to bury his 3-point shot this week, there are no complaints about this power rankings expedition.

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