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Timberwolves Power Rankings: Tough loss blemishes perfect week

By Jake Paynting

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 1: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 1, 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 - FEBRUARY 1: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 1, 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 – FEBRUARY 1: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves handles the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 1, 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 – FEBRUARY 1: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves handles the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 1, 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. Jimmy Butler (1)

Season stats: 37.1 MPG – 22.3 PPG – 5.4 RPG – 5.1 APG – 48.1% FG – 37.6% 3PT – 86.4% FT

Weekly stats: 40.9 MPG – 31.0 PPG – 5.7 RPG – 6.3 APG – 57.9% FG – 57.1% 3PT – 82.6% FT

With Karl-Anthony Towns in all-out beast mode, one would think Jimmy Butler’s power rankings top dog spot may be in jeopardy … not this time KAT. Jimmy G. Buckets was just 2 points shy of hitting the 30-point threshold in each of the three power ranking tilts, doing it with extra efficiency and style to boot.

We will try to put the 20 seconds of misery he was involved in to end the Cavs game behind us. Forever.

The now four-time All-Star begun the week with 28 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists in a dominant performance over the Bucks, going 8-15 from the floor and 10-11 from the free throw line. Jimmy G. Buckets was in attack mode from the very first minute of this power rankings stanza.

Next in line for the Butler show was New Orleans, and they received a 30-point, 8-rebound, 7-point bonanza. The 28-year-old was virtually unstoppable against Alvin Gentry’s team, going 11-21 from the field and 2-4 from beyond the 3-point line.

The final game of the week was the most polarizing for Butler. He put up 35 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists on a red-hot 14-21 from the field, including 4-5 from behind the arc, but faltered on a potential game-winner in a thrilling match to watch.

Next: Minnesota Timberwolves podcast: Trade deadline edition

The Timberwolves alpha male has been unreal lately, and if he can continue on his MVP-caliber path that he is on the Wolves will have a real chance to make a decent playoff run.

Tune in next week to see who takes the power rankings cake!

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