Timberwolves Power Rankings: No Butler, no worries

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 20: Taj Gibson #67 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots the ball 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 Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Taj Gibson (3)

Season stats: 33.8 MPG – 12.1 PPG – 7.6 RPG – 0.7 BPG – 57.4% FG – 24.1% 3PT – 76.5% FT

Weekly stats: 38.5 MPG – 12.3 PPG – 6.0 RPG – 0.7 BPG – 57.1% FG – 62.5% FT

The 2017-18 version of Taj Gibson doesn’t have bad weeks. Like, ever.

The 32-year-old can count himself unlucky to drop in the power rankings this week; the drop comes at the hands of the impressive performers above him and not from Gibson’s game itself. Gibson was his usual self, hustling around the court, playing elite defense and roasting defenders in the post when given the chance.

Like most Wolves, Gibson wasn’t at his best in the loss to the Rockets. He posted nine points and four rebounds and dished out four dimes. It wasn’t the 6-foot-9 forward’s best game in the box score, but like Tyus Jones, his impact goes far beyond the numbers.

Gibson was impressive on the stat sheet in the final two games of the week however, posting 14 points and eight rebounds in Toronto before backing that up with another 14 points, six boards and four steals in the gritty Clippers win.

Mr. Clean continues to be the ultimate glue guy for this Minnesota team, and a player that you would be hard pressed to find a single critic of. The $14 million per year that Gibson will receive this season and next looks like a bargain each and every game.

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