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What will it take for the Jimmy Butler-less Timberwolves to make the playoffs?

By Adam Ziobrowski

SACRAMENTO, CA - FEBRUARY 26: Tyus Jones #1, Andrew Wiggins #22 and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves talk during the game against the Sacramento Kings on February 26, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - FEBRUARY 26: Tyus Jones #1, Andrew Wiggins #22 and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves talk during the game against the Sacramento Kings on February 26, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 3: Anthony Davis
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 3: Anthony Davis /

Statement wins

I don’t believe the Wolves get as much respect when Butler is gone. And, in all honesty, why should they?

Without Butler all season the Wolves have played sub-par. When he first went down some media and fans looked at this as a opportunity for the younger Wolves to step up and show they can lead a team.

So far, not so good.

There are still 15 more chances for the Wolves to prove to the basketball world that they are a solid team even without Butler. What better way to do so then with some statement wins.

This will not only prove the Wolves can win without Butler, but also help them inch closer to clinching a playoff berth.

Take a look at what I would consider statement wins:

  • March 11 vs. Golden State (check)
  • March 13 at Washington
  • March 17 at San Antonio
  • March 18 vs. Houston
  • March 20 vs. Los Angeles Clippers
  • April 5 at Denver
  • April 11 at Denver

Yes, seven of their last 15 games are what I would consider to be statement wins. The first four speak for themselves and also happen to be the next four games on the Wolves schedule.

The last three I would consider statement wins because both teams are in a playoff race as well, and Denver is a division opponent. There’s also an outside chance that Butler could be ready to return to the court at that point.

Beating any team in a playoff race without your superstar player will open some eyes. Hopefully it will also give the players some confidence in terms of being able to win without Butler.

Again, the playoffs are not out of reach, and if the playoffs started today, the Wolves would very much be in the thick of things. Minnesota is as much alive as any other team in the hunt. However, Butler going down made the goal a littler harder. Executing in these areas should be enough for the Wolves to clinch their first playoff berth in 13 years.

Next: Checking in on the Timberwolves' playoff standing

Then, and only then, will we be able to see Butler play again this season. And that’s something that we all want to see happen.

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