From Dysfunction to Dominance: Timberwolves' Journey Beyond Butler
Timberwolves defy history, rise from Butler's shadow to NBA prominence in 2024. A tale of resilience, redemption, and unexpected success.
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“You fucking need me. You can’t win without me,” said Jimmy Butler in that infamous Timberwolves practice. That was just over five years ago in the fall of 2018 and a handful of weeks before the team dealt the disgruntled Butler to Philadelphia that November. The trade was a culmination of yet another dysfunctional moment in a franchise whose history had plenty of such moments up to that point.
To add insult to injury, Butler’s Sixers drubbed the Timberwolves 149-107 in Philadelphia in his first game against his former team later that season. Butler posted an efficient 19 points on 10 shots with four assists and three steals, but Joel Embiid had 31 points and 13 rebounds. The Wolves badly failed the Punk Test that night. Karl-Anthony Towns had 13 points and three rebounds on 4-of-10 shooting while Andrew Wiggins had 12 points on 14 shots and four rebounds.
I do not have any hard feelings towards Butler over his departure. Speaking from the experience of covering Butler up close, I always appreciated how unapologetically himself Butler is. There was one game that Butler helped close out and as the media assembled around his locker, Butler announced he was not talking that night and hit the shower. Butler returned moments later, finished dressing and left without fielding a question to the dismay of some media members. If Butler says he is or is not going to do something, he usually follows through, for better or worse.
Changing Tides
Since Butler left Philadelphia for Miami, it has been a different story. The Heat are just 1-4 versus the Timberwolves since acquiring Butler. Butler notably rested in the first meeting between the two teams this season in Miami’s third game of the season. Ultimately, the 1-4 record does not mean much but it is amusing.
Last week, I wrote about how this team does not pack it in when they fall behind and other traits of a maturing team. The Wolves trailed by as much as 17 points and never led by more than five during their 112-108 win in Miami on Monday night. Additionally, there were just five lead changes and Miami led from 6:30 in the first quarter until Mike Conley’s 3-pointer with 8:37 remaining in the game. If you are the Heat, this one probably leaves a funny taste in your mouth considering they were at home and controlled much of it.
The Heat were shooting over 56 percent and led 56-44 at the half. The Timberwolves had 11 turnovers and allowed 19 points off of them. Towns and Anthony Edwards were both productive and the team forced nine turnovers, but the Wolves beat themselves. In the second half, Miami’s shooting regressed to just over 36 percent and Minnesota cleaned up with the turnovers, committing just three and allowing one point off of them.
Edwards was the star of this show. His 32 points on 10-for-25 shooting, eight rebounds and five assists on the night. This was not a night when Edwards started slow and exploded for, say, 25 points in a half. Edwards was balanced, with 15 points in the first 24 minutes and 17 in the final 24.
Edwards has a certain air to him in big moments. He thrives in high-pressure situations, in the way that you might fear a guy like Damian Lillard with the ball late in a close game. Edwards had a beautiful isolation with less than 30 seconds to play and everyone watching knew he was going to shoot. Despite knowing this, Edwards still converted.
The Timberwolves Continue Proving Themselves
In case you are wondering, Butler had 19 points, five rebounds and five assists, but this team has so little to do with Butler or any grudges. The history will always be what it is with Butler and the franchise, but this team is a different trajectory. Had the Timberwolves kept Butler, they would have had an aging and capped-out roster. Now, the Timberwolves have an expensive roster, but they have improving young players and productive veterans. The team is 20-5 (!!!) and are tied for the league’s best record.
On Monday night, they did not just show up a former star player who spurned them. No, the Timberwolves went into Miami and proved their mettle by winning a game they did not have much business winning considering their start to the game. Five years ago, things felt as bleak as ever around this franchise. In 2024, they are the story of the first quarter of the NBA season.
Maybe the Timberwolves did need Butler to win at the time, but this is no longer the case.