Timberwolves Power Rankings: Rough nights and record breakers

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MARCH 28: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dunks against the Atlanta Hawks on March 28, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Karl-Anthony Towns (career-high 56 points) set a new Timberwolves franchise record for points in a game, en route to a 126-114 victory over the Hawks tonight in 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Karl-Anthony Towns (1)

Season stats: 35.4 MPG – 21.2 PPG – 12.2 RPG – 1.5 BPG – 54.5% FG – 43.8% 3PT – 86.5% FT

Weekly stats: 36.1 MPG – 27.5 PPG – 12.8 RPG – 2.0 BPG – 48.6% FG – 57.1% 3PT – 81.3% FT

Surprised?

Karl-Anthony Towns has held our power rankings gold medal for several weeks since the Jimmy Butler injury, and it was fairly easy to guess he would stay comfortable this time around.

The 22-year-old started the week off with a dominant performance against New York, posting 24 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. As usual he had it rolling on all three levels offensively, hitting 9-of-16 from the field and 2-of-3 from behind the 3-point arc.

The All-Star was actually quiet in the two Timberwolves losses in the middle of the power rankings week. He put up just 15 points (3-15 FG, 2-6 3PT), 11 rebounds and a block against a rampant Joel Embiid and the 76ers before another slightly underwhelming 15-point, 12-rebound, six-assist, three-block night against Marc Gasol and the Memphis Grizzlies.

After the below par stretch, the buck stopped at Towns in the Hawks tilt. On a historic level.

Towns broke the franchise record for points (52) that was held by Mo Williams of all people, dropping a career-high 56 points (19-32 FG, 6-8 3PT) while adding 15 rebounds, four assists and a block in a night that will linger in the memory of Timberwolves fans for a long, long time.

Here is the heavily guarded 3-point basket that gave Towns sole possession of the prestigious record:

After a night like that, there should be little doubt in Karl-Anthony Towns mind that he can dominate on any given night. The Timberwolves will need him too as they break their long awaited playoff drought.

Next: Joe Smith Interview: Former No. 1 pick talks Wolves...

Tune in next week to see who tops the power rankings!

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