It's no secret the Minnesota Timberwolves are currently in shambles. Jimmy Butler is playing with a vengeful spirit, and the rest of the squad has been left to cope with the longest prologue of their adult lives. The dysfunction was on full display last night when the 'Wolves took on the Raptors in Toronto in a violent tale of two NBA franchises on different ends of the pendulum.
Minnesota's woes were encapsulated by Karl-Anthony Towns' performance in particular. The 4th year center went 5-of-17 from the field, and only converted 1-of-5 three-point attempts. Late in the third quarter, his lack of confidence was apparent, as he airballed a fairly easy shot attempt over Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas, who had given him plenty of "elbow" to work with. He subsequently asked to be substituted; Thibodeau complied.
Even the announcer for the local television broadcast derided Towns' performance. “KAT just has that look in his face like he doesn’t want to play tonight," the announcer commented. "So, so be it."
The negatives are innumerable in this situation, but you would think Butler will eventually be dealt, and with that, both KAT and Wiggins will surely feel more at-ease pushing the franchise in a forward direction. What gives?