Timberwolves Power Rankings: Butler blow soils solid stretch

9. Jimmy Butler (2)

Season stats: 37.1 MPG – 22.2 PPG – 5.4 RPG – 5.0 APG – 47.3% FG – 35.6% 3PT – 85.5% FT

Weekly stats: 33.2 MPG – 17.0 PPG – 5.0 RPG – 3.5 APG – 32.4% FG – 9.1% 3PT – 91.7% FT

We kick off the power rankings with a distasteful note, as Jimmy Butler slides down to ninth place is his final appearance in the rankings for at least a month. The meniscus injury was a huge blow for the Timberwolves who rely on their superstar to provide a huge chunk on the offensive end, and be the spiritual and physical leader defensively.

Despite the blow, Butler did actually over 65 minutes over the Lakers and Rockets games, so it’s only fair to take a look at them.

The 28-year-old posted 24 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks and a steal in the final game before the All-Star break against L.A., Jimmy G. Buckets struggled to find his shot (7-20 FG, 0-7 3PT), but made sure his presence was known with two unfathomable blocks in crunch time:

The four-time All-Star was again cold in the Rockets match-up before going down with the injury, shooting just 4-14 from the floor and 1-4 from beyond the 3-point line for his 10 points. He did add 5 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal in 25 minutes, however.

It was a heartbreaking week for Jimmy Butler, but the news could have been much worse. I guess this is just something you’re accustomed to as a Minnesota sports fan.