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Timberwolves Power Rankings: New faces and comeback wins

By Jake Paynting

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 15: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 and Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shake hands during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on November 15, 2017 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 15: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 and Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shake hands during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on November 15, 2017 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MARCH 11: Taj Gibson #67 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots a free throw during the game against the Golden State Warriors on March 11, 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 Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MARCH 11: Taj Gibson #67 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots a free throw during the game against the Golden State Warriors on March 11, 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 Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. Taj Gibson (4)

Season stats: 33.7 MPG – 12.4 PPG – 7.2 RPG – 0.7 BPG – 58.3% FG – 21.9% 3PT – 75.8% FT

Weekly stats: 35.8 MPG – 12.0 PPG – 6.6 RPG – 0.4 BPG – 60.9% FG – 50% FT

Call him Mr. Clean, call him Mr. Consistency, call him whatever you desire. The fact is that even on his ‘down’ weeks where he slips in the rankings, Taj Gibson remains one of the most under-the-radar impact players league-wide.

With Butler down, Gibson has become the vocal and spiritual leader for Minnesota. His above average defense – which is rare in Wolves world – and his insane postup game allow him to make a huge mark on the game without stretching his capabilities too far.

The offense has been so efficient in fact, that the 32-year-old ranks as the best player in points per possession on post-up opportunities (1.12) and is shooting a career high 77.1 percent from between zero and three feet.

Hakeem Olajuwon would be proud.

This important stretch was more of the same, although his nine-point, four-rebound performance to start it off against the Trail Blazers was probably the low-light of the five-game span. Next up, Mr. Clean posted 12 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal in a solid all-around effort from a man whose previously mentioned impact doesn’t always show up in the box score.

The stat sheet prowess did show up in the loss against the Celtics however. Gibson dropped 18 points on a tasty 8-of-10 shooting and grabbing another four rebounds – making it three consecutive 4-rebound outings, a worrying trend the veteran would soon buck.

He collected 13 big rebounds to go along with his 11 points in a gritty win over Golden State, terrorising the Warriors big men time and time again on the low block:

Gibson’s 10 points and eight rebounds against the Wizards capped off another great week for the Timberwolves glue guy. Mr. Clean will need to continue to be his consistent self going forward if Minnesota are going to gain premium playoff position.

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