The Wolves have played 66 games through March 4, the most of any team in the
NBA.
They have a five-day break before hosting the Boston Celtics on Thursday at
Target Center.
Minnesota was back at practice on Monday and it’s all about balance this week
for coach Tom Thibodeau.
“It’s the challenge of getting some rest to recharge and getting some work to
get ready for what we have going down the stretch here,” Thibodeau said after
Monday’s practice.
It’s not very often a team has a five-day break in the middle of the season, but
that just goes to show how weird and compacted Minnesota’s schedule has been
thus far.
“It’s unusual,” Thibodeau said. “I can’t ever remember having five days off.
It’s good, though. We got bombed pretty good (earlier).”
Stepping Up For Butler
The Wolves have played four games since Jimmy Butler suffered a knee injury that
will keep him out for the foreseeable future.
Starting in place of Butler has been Nemanja Bjelica.
It’s been an adjustment period for Bjelica, who has played 36.5 minutes per game
over the four games and is averaging 10 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists per
game while shooting 46.9 percent from the field, 35.7 percent from the 3-point
line and 83.3 percent from the 3-point line.
Bjelica knows that not one player can replace Butler, but as a team, the Wolves
know they need to continue to get added production.
“Of course. I mean, first of all, Wig has to step up like he’s doing. KAT also.
Jeff can play more with the ball,” Bjelica said. ” . . .I’m just trying to do my
job as a three and some time in the game as a four. We know what we need to do .
. . We are in a good spot.”
At 38-28, the Wolves are fifth in the West, a half game back from the third seed
and 1.5 games ahead of the eight seed.
Player: Nemanja Bjelica
Player: Jimmy Butler
Player: Karl-Anthony Towns
Player: Andrew Wiggins
Media Content:
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Media Keywords: NBA, Sports, Minnesota Timberwolves, Nemanja Bjelica, Jimmy
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