It was a rough night for the Wolves right from the beginning. At the last-minute, we found out Jimmy Butler wouldn’t be playing because of an illness. Without Butler, the Wolves looked outmatched all night, especially on the defensive end.

The Wolves gave up 130 points without Butler on the floor, Tuesday. It was an ugly showing. Guys weren’t in the right place and they were late to rotate. Thibs had to have been beside himself. Indiana shot 67% for damn sakes. That type of defense is unacceptable and so is the effort. Not only did the Timberwolves lack defense, they lacked hustle and energy and the will to win. It was disgusting. Look at these numbers from NBA.com:

Offensively, Wiggins seemed to be the most affected by the lack of Butler’s presence. That might go to show the looks he is getting with the defenses having to pay so much attention to Jimmy. I would’ve expected Wiggins to have another big night, knowing Butler’s offensive capabilities wouldn’t be available. Wiggins finished with just 7 points on 3 of 9 shooting.

Jeff Teague struggled again too. After seeing good progress vs OKC, Teague took two steps back against Indiana. The only run the Wolves had, came in the 2nd quarter. It was led by Tyus Jones. Teague was on the bench. Again, Wolves fans, don’t panic. Teague will be ok. It takes time. I warned everybody about this before the season started. Although we don’t want to panic, we do want to hold this team accountable. The days where they can play like hot garbage, and nobody gets pissed, off are over. With the roster they now have, and the money Taylor has spent, it’s time to win. And, they will. Just give it a little time. I don’t want to hear about Ricky Rubio anymore. Get over it.

Karl Anthony-Towns, although lost at times on defense again, held this team together for most of the game offensively. He finished with 28 points but lacked on the boards, with just 7 rebounds. Unfortunately most of Towns points came early. He got his 25th point with 9:32 remaining in the 3rd quarter.

It was a frustrating game to watch.

Eric Strack @RealMNSportsFan

Stats: NBA.com
Video: Kenny Chris Dantzler
Photo: AP – Jim Mone

(Will have preview of Wolves vs. Pistons shortly)

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— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) October 24, 2017

It’s weird seeing the Timberwolves on the good side of an 11 point spread but that’s what we are looking at for Tuesday night’s game vs the Pacers, according to ESPN. The Pacers traded Paul George to the team that we beat at the buzzer on Sunday, the OKC Thunder, and Indiana is a shell of the above average team they were last year.

The Pacers won their first game of the year in Brooklyn, where they scored 140 points. That has inflated their season average but they’ve lost both games since and the scores have been much more reasonable.

The newcomers are looking more and more comfortable with every game. Teague looked much better vs OKC, than he did in the two games prior. I’m still waiting for Jimmy Butler to put his stamp on his new team. I’m a little surprised that I’m still waiting but he will get comfortable, I’m sure.

Andrew Wiggins is off to a hot start and will try to continue that. Look for him to get started early, just like he has in previous games. Karl will be steady on the offensive end and on the glass. Can he be better on defense? The Wolves will need him to be as this season goes on.

I think the Wolves win but I don’t think they clear the 11 points.

HOWL.

Eric Strack
Minnesota Sports Fan
MinnesotaSportsFan.com @RealMNSportsFan

Sources: ESPN