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Timberwolves Power Rankings: No Butler, no worries

By Jake Paynting

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 14: Marcus Georges-Hunt #13 and Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 14, 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 14: Marcus Georges-Hunt #13 and Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 14, 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 20: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves speaks to the media after game against the Toronto Raptors on January 20, 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 20: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves speaks to the media after game against the Toronto Raptors on January 20, 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Karl-Anthony Towns (2)

Season stats: 35.6 MPG – 20.0 PPG – 12.1 RPG – 1.6 BPG – 53.7% FG – 41.2% 3PT – 83.9% FT

Weekly stats: 32.4 MPG – 18.3 PPG – 14.3 RPG – 2.3 BPG – 51.5% FG – 30% 3PT – 85.7% FT

Andrew Wiggins may have had a hotter week than Karl-Anthony Towns. However, the consistency KAT has shown all season long as well as a first time All-Star appearance must be rewarded with the top spot in the power rankings.

The 22-year-old dropped 22 points, 16 rebounds and three  assists against the Rockets, swatting away five shots to finish with a nice-looking stat-line despite the loss.

The defense wasn’t limited to just blocking shots, however. It included some lockdown work on one of the best ball-handlers and scorers in the league.

Towns was quiet in the first half against the Raptors, but went off for all of his 22 points in the second. KAT grabbed another 10 rebounds to extend his lead in the NBA’s double-double standings and hit both of his 3-point tries.

The new power rankings leader was again limited on offense throughout the L.A. matchup, but more than made up for it with his incredible rebounding exploits and improved defense. Towns had just 11 points on 1-for-7 shooting but grabbed 17 boards and dished out three assists in a confidence-building win without the team’s best player.

Next: Twitter reacts to Timberwolves All-Star selections

It will be interesting to see if Karl-Anthony Towns can hold onto his title when Jimmy Butler returns. Be sure to tune in next week to see how everything shaks out!

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