Timberwolves Power Rankings: Tough loss blemishes perfect week
8. Gorgui Dieng (6)
Season stats: 17.8 MPG – 6.7 PPG – 4.5 RPG – 0.5 BPG – 50.7% FG – 28.9% 3PT – 77.5% FT
Weekly stats: 14.9 MPG – 8.0 PPG – 3.7 RPG – 0.3 BPG – 52.4% FG – 100% FT
After climbing all the way to the power rankings sixth man position last week, Gorgui Dieng falls down to eighth this time around. The slip is no fault of his own, as G-Train and the rest of the bench mob have been much improved of late, but there isn’t room up the top of the rankings for everyone.
Jamal Crawford and Gorgui Dieng are both balling lately. Bjelica has been very solid. Tyus Jones his usual self. This bench sort of looks good at times.
— Zach Harper (@talkhoops) February 4, 2018
The Senegalese giant has been scoring at a much more proficient rate over the past 10 games, scoring 7.7 points on 57.9 percent shooting in that span. This uptick is vital for the Timberwolves who still are culpable of lack a scoring punch off the pine on any given night.
Dieng started off the week with a slightly inefficient game, going 4-9 for his 8 points and adding just one rebound, although he did have one block. He has been ultra-effective when firing up his mid-range and inside shots lately, so it’s strange to see him have a cold night.
The 28-year-old has averaged 15 points per contest in his last three outings against New Orleans, but he wasn’t quite at that level this time. The reserve big was still solid, however, scoring 6 points (3-5 FG) and grabbing 6 rebounds too.
G-Train finished the week with an impressive 10-point, 4-rebound performance finishing 4-7 from the field and nailing both his free throws in a game that many are calling the best so far in the 2017-18 season.
With Gorgui Dieng playing well, the Timberwolves bench looks so much better. It is imperative that the big man continues to thrive, especially with that big contract.