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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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BROOKLYN, NY – JANUARY 3: Taj Gibson #67 of the Minnesota Timberwolves jumps for the rebound against the Brooklyn Nets on January 3, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY – JANUARY 3: Taj Gibson #67 of the Minnesota Timberwolves jumps for the rebound against the Brooklyn Nets on January 3, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Taj Gibson (3)

Season stats: 33.6 MPG – 11.9 PPG – 7.9 RPG – 0.7 BPG – 56.7% FG – 25% 3PT – 77.9% FT

Weekly stats: 33.3 MPG – 11.0 PPG – 7.3 RPG – 0.8 BPG – 48.6% FG – 71.4% FT

It wasn’t Taj Gibson’s best week over the last seven days, but his overall body of work and non-stat sheet production keeps his fourth place safe from a gaining Andrew Wiggins.

Gibson continued to provide the glue that has kept the fourth-place Timberwolves together, with his hustle, energy and defensive versatility. Take this play, for example, watch Gibson switch perfectly on defense then box out Celtics giant Aron Baynes with textbook technique.

These are the things Mr. Clean does night in-night out for his team.

Gibson was probably at his worst Timberwolves fans have seen him in the Brooklyn and Boston losses, tallying just 13 points and 10 rebounds on a well below par 4-13 shooting in the two games combined, according to NBA stats.

It’s no coincidence that the Wolves lost the only two games that Gibson didn’t show up all season.

The 32-year-old certainly did show up in the next two power rankings games, however. The 6-foot-9 forward racked up 15 points, 6 rebounds and 3 steals against the elite big men of New Orleans, before posting another 16 points, 13 rebounds a block in the Cavaliers decimation.

Gibson wasn’t projected to be the third best player on this Minnesota Timberwolves team, but that is exactly what he is.

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