Key Player: Timberwolves vs. Rockets

SACRAMENTO, CA – FEBRUARY 26: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the Minnesota Timberwolves coaches 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)

Tom Thibodeau is the key to the Timberwolves success tonight against the Rockets

Thibodeau likes defense, the jury is still out if defense likes Thibodeau.

In wins, the Minnesota Timberwolves have a defensive rating of 104.4, which is ranked 29th out of the 30 teams in the NBA. Only the Cleveland Cavaliers have a worse defensive rating (105.1).

I’m sure you all think you know what the problem is:

Minnesota TimberBulls
HC Tom Thibodeau
G Aaron Brooks
G Derrick Rose
F Jamal Crawford
F Jimmy Butler
C Taj Gibson
— Aly Visram (@TheLeader_33) March 8, 2018

No, it’s not JUST the Timberbulls.

Minnesota’s defense has gone down hill since the absence of Jimmy Butler. It’s up to Thibodeau to decide on who he puts on the court, but he may have to decide to play more than nine players. To counter those horrid defensive statistics, Thibs has done one thing really well, coach offense.

In wins, the Timberwolves are 2nd out of the 30 teams in the NBA for offensive rating, right behind the Golden State Warriors. This makes Minnesota fans cringe at the inconsistent insanity they have to deal with on a night to-night basis.

Next: Wiggins is the next Kawhi

The love/hate relationship is real, but Thibodeau has a chance to prove himself tonight against the Houston Rockets, on NBA TV.