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Timberwolves Power Rankings: Butler blow soils solid stretch

By Jake Paynting

(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 13: Taj Gibson #67 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends against the Houston Rockets during the game on February 13, 2018 at the 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. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 13: Taj Gibson #67 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends against the Houston Rockets during the game on February 13, 2018 at the 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. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

4. Taj Gibson (4)

Season stats: 33.5 MPG – 12.5 PPG – 7.2 RPG – 0.8 BPG – 58% FG – 22.6% 3PT – 77.2% FT

Weekly stats: 34.1 MPG – 17.8 PPG – 6.5 RPG – 1.0 BPG – 70% FG – 78.9% FT

As usual, Taj Gibson was the epitome of consistency this power rankings week, this time on an even bigger scale.

The 32-year-old has played and started in every game thus far, having a career year in field goal percentage and free throw percentage while posting the second best season of his eight-year career in points and rebounds per night.

Speaking of career highs, Mr. Clean went off for 28 points in the final game before the All-Star break against the Lakers, the most points he has ever scored in an NBA game. He nailed a sizzling 11-16 from the field and a perfect 6-6 from the free throw line, grabbing 8 rebounds and blocking two shots to put the cherry on top of an awesome night.

His 9-point, 3-rebound showing against the Rockets was a night to forget, and indicative of the Wolves performance on the night. However, he backed it up with 19 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal in another fantastic performance against the Bulls in his first game against his former team in Target Center.

Gibson has been arguably the Timberwolves most consistent two-way player, rarely taking a night off on either end of the floor. His hustle and energy on defense is vital now that Butler is out and his offensive efficiency will be even more critical on a team that often relies on outscoring the opposition and not locking them down.

Mr. Clean missed just one of his seven shot attempts for his 15 points in the final game of this power rankings edition, pulling down 5 rebounds, dishing out 2 assists and swatting away a shot to cap off a sterling week for the big man.

Not enough to get him into the top three, however.

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