The Timberpups don’t look like a bunch of adorable prospects anymore, with a strong week to remain in the top 10 of the power rankings. They took care of business against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, with Jimmy Butler chipping in 28 points while Karl-Anthony Towns posted a points and rebounds double-double. The Timberwolves had a game stolen from them by Spencer Dinwiddie, who knocked down a jumper that Butler wasn’t able to answer at the buzzer to drop a game in Brooklyn. Butler did attempt 18 free throws against the Nets, showing off his physical game that makes him one of the most efficient scorers in the league.
The Timberwolves’ struggles against Eastern Conference teams continued in the loss against the Boston Celtics, having lost 10 of their 14 games against the boys out east. Towns had 25 points and 23 rebounds, but got roasted by his girlfriend after the game for not being able to deliver a victory. Butler only had 14 points, as he wasn’t able to get into a rhythm against one of the better defensive teams in the league. Towns played well for the first time this season against fellow Kentucky alums Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins, and they won 116-98 in their bright green jerseys.