Top 5 Timberwolves Games: Best individual performances of 2017-18
By Ben Beecken
108-107 win at Portland Trail Blazers. December 18. Jimmy Butler. 5. player. 86. <p>37 points (12-21 FG, 2-3 3P, 11-12 FT), 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, zero turnovers</p>
The Timberwolves traveled to Portland on Dec. 18 holding just a half-game lead over the Trail Blazers in the Northwest Division standings. They had just lost two out of their last three games, including a loss to the lowly Suns just 48 hours prior that saw Jimmy Butler hobbled due to back spasms.
Enter Jimmy Butler, proven scorer and defensive force. While the Blazers star backcourt of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum combined to shoot just 16-of-35 for 37 points while committing eight turnovers, Butler put up 37 points while not turning the ball over a single time.
The Wolves trailed by double-digits in the fourth quarter and had been relying on Jamal Crawford, who scored 23 points in 23 minutes off the bench, to carry the scoring load. But Butler reentered the game down the stretch and scored in a variety of ways, including hitting a series of huge free throws down the stretch.
This was another example of Butler filling the box score and contributing in every facet of the game in what was an important divisional matchup.