After somehow finding a way to lose game one — after Steph Curry suffered a grade one hamstring strain in the second quarter that he has yet to return from — the Warriors have dropped three-straight to the Wolves.

We’re all dying to see the Timberwolves get back to the West Finals, but there’s no doubt Curry’s injury ruined what could have been a historically great series full of twists, turns and storylines galore. And that part sucks.

Steph Curry ruled out for game five – Timberwolves vs Warriors

Since Steph’s official diagnosis came to light, optimists have looked to game five as Curry’s earliest (plausible) return date. Hope faded, however, when the Wolves opened as massive -11.5 point favorites. If Curry is playing, that spread doesn’t exist. Late Tuesday night, the official report broke (via Anthony Slater – The Athletic): No Steph Curry for game five.

Steph Curry is out tomorrow for Game 5 in Minnesota. The Warriors officially face elimination without their star guard.

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 13, 2025

Steph Curry missing another game of this series isn’t the only news Slater dropped late Tuesday. In game four, the Golden State Warriors needed Jimmy Butler to get into his time machine and pull out a star performance, in order to threaten the Wolves’ takeover of this series.

Jimmy Butler was sick in game four vs Minnesota Timberwolves…

Instead, the Warriors got arguably Butler’s the worst performance of these first four games, posting just 14 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. At times, he even looked disinterested, only totalling nine field goal attempts all night. Butler also finished game four as a -30 in 34 minutes played.

Related: What We Learned About the Timberwolves in Overpowering Game 4 Win Over Warriors

Apparently, there was a reason (or excuse) for Jimmy’s no-show. According to what Warriors head coach Steve Kerr told media on Tuesday, the former Bull – turned Wolf – turned Sixer – turned Heat – turned Warrior… was dealing with a significant illness that was NOT listed on the team’s status report before the game.

Steve Kerr called Jimmy Butler's illness yesterday "definitely impactful." He went from 26 shots in G3 to nine in G4. Kerr: "But he's feeling better and he'll be ready to go tomorrow." Steph Curry remains out but did make the trip with the team.

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 14, 2025

Kerr is confident Butler is feeling much better entering game five, and Golden State expects him to be back to more of his normal self. Of course, prior to game four, they weren’t even willing to acknowledge that he had this debilitating illness in the first place.

One thing is for sure, though. We can confirm that Jimmy Butler can talk tough all he wants, but his mental toughness isn’t Michael Jordan’s. We’ll see if a now healthy Jimmy can make an impact on game five, when the Warriors need him most.

Unfortunately, the Wolves came out sluggish in the first half, something they have shown a propensity for throughout the first two rounds of this series. Even without Steph on the other side, Minnesota found themselves trailing by two points at halftime, a lead the Warriors stretched to five, a couple times during the third quarter.

What We Learned – Minnesota Timberwolves @ Golden State Warriors (Gm 3)

Anthony Edwards was slow to go for three quarters, which explains why the Timberwolves were inconsistent for most of the night. That changed in the fourth (see more on that below), and as soon as it did, so did the outlook of game three.

While Ant was figuring it out, Minnesota struggled to find its identity. Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler had by far his best game of this series, scoring 33 points, to go along with 7 assists and 7 rebounds. Jonathan Kuminga had a career night as well, contributing 30 points of his own, along with 5 rebounds and 3 assists.

But when the Minnesota Timberwolves flipped that switch in the fourth quarter, the Golden State Warriors suddenly looked like they didn’t belong on the same court as the Wolves, who outscored the Warriors 33-24 in the fourth quarter, pulling ahead in the closing minutes, before securing a 102-97 victory that pulled them ahead 2-1 in the series.

Without further ado, here’s what we learned tonight in game three of the western conference semifinals between the Timberwolves and Warriors on Saturday night.

Thank God Tim Connelly traded for Julius Randle

The longer we go on in these 2024-25 NBA Playoffs, the more appreciative I become for Julius Randle. Throughout the postseason, and during much of the second half of the regular season, Randle has unlocked something with the Wolves that he struggled to find immediately after being traded to Minnesota.

On Saturday night, not only did Randle put up a triple double — 24 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists — but just like he has all playoffs long, the former No. 7 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft has become the Timberwolves’ stabilizing force, whenever that is needed.

Julius Randle defensive rebound + drive-and-kick pass to Anthony Edwards for the corner 3 pic.twitter.com/8lGJXGEnQ8

— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) May 11, 2025

Struggling to make shots, get the ball in the high post to Julius Randle. Need a veteran to slow things down and setup the offense, Randle can do that too. Need a strong big man not named Rudy Gobert to lock down a LeBron James or Jimmy Butler? Call on Julius Randle.

Related: Minnesota Timberwolves Announcer Lands a Couple More Jobs

Whatever the doctor calls for, Randle is there to provide it. It may have taken a while for him to gel with his new teammates, but for two or three months now, the 30-year-old out of Dallas, Texas has been everything the Minnesota Timberwolves could have hoped for… and more.

It’s nice when Anthony Edwards shows up… he should do it more

Saturday night was the umpteenth time this postseason that nobody told Anthony Edwards the game had started, until the second half. In game three, Ant went 3-of-12 (25%) in the first half, including 1-of-5 from deep.

For much of the first three quarters, we watched our 23-year-old superstar work in sleepwalk mode. He looked hesitant to try and get downhill toward the rim, while also lacking confidence in his three point shot. And as Edwards struggled, it allowed the Warriors to hang around.

That was until midway through the third quarter, when Ant flipped the superstar switch and became a completely different player. How did he do it. By getting to the rim. In the third, Edwards went 6-of-10. Five of his makes were at the rim… but it was this dunk that changed everything about tonight’s game.

ANTHONY EDWARDS JUST TOUCHED THE HEAVENS 😱 pic.twitter.com/SwIvUt3LLo

— ESPN (@espn) May 11, 2025

Then, the fourth quarter came along, and by then, Anthony Edwards was feeling himself a little bit, shooting 4-of-6 from the field, including 3-of-5 from three point land. And as Ant got hotter, the hopes of the Golden State Warriors went into the toilet.

Related: Timberwolves Coach Dumbfounded with Refs’ Mistreatment of Rudy Gobert

Edwards finished 13-of-28 for a game-high 36 points, to go along with 4 rebounds and 4 assists. And what we really learned tonight… was something we already knew deep down. As long as the Minnesota Timberwolves play semi-decent basketball against this Curry-less Warriors squad… this series is loser-proof.

Anthony Edwards TAKES OVER, Julius Randle drops triple-double as the @Timberwolves win Game 3 🔥💯

Edwards: 36 PTS (28 in 2H), 5 3PM
Randle: 24 PTS, 10 REB, 12 AST, 3 STL

MIN leads series 2-1 pic.twitter.com/4WBy592S8f

— NBA (@NBA) May 11, 2025

Another playoff team that can’t hang with the Minnesota Timberwolves

Much like what we saw in round one against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Golden State Warriors do not have the firepower to hang with this incredibly deep Minnesota Timberwolves roster, as long as they perform anywhere near their capabilities.

For the Warriors to hang around, they need to play really well and the Wolves need to do the opposite. Tonight, that’s what took place for most of three quarters. Now, once the West Finals roll around and their opponent is… say… the OKC Thunder, laying off the gas pedal will no longer be an option, even for a quarter.

But the 2025 Golden State Warriors are not the Thunder. So until then, we’ll see if the Timberwolves can stay engaged enough to take this series in five.

Anthony Edwards was sleep walking from the tip-off and the Wolves started 0-of-15 from deep, but the story of the game was Steph Curry leaving in the second quarter with a left hamstring strain, and not returning. On Wednesday morning, Curry underwent an MRI, in order to determine how severe his hamstring injury was.

Steph Curry went to the locker room after an apparent leg injury pic.twitter.com/xS3D5mW5Vo

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 7, 2025

At best, it was expected to be diagnosed as a grade one strain, which usually takes at least a few days to heal, likely longer. Worst case, it was a grade two or grade three strain that would cost the 16-year NBA veteran the rest of the second round vs Minnesota.

Steph Curry will miss multiple games vs Minnesota Timberwolves

In a turn of “good fortune” for Golden State, Steph’s imaging tests today revealed his hamstring strain to be a grade one, the best case scenario. Nonetheless, Golden State’s 3x NBA Champion, 10x All-NBA and 2x NBA MVP is expected to miss at least a week with his bad hamstring.

The Warriors expect Stephen Curry to miss at least one week with the Grade 1 left hamstring strain, sources tell ESPN. An exact return will be based on how their All-NBA guard responds to rehab with his first muscle strain. https://t.co/PWhFWz2sEQ

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 7, 2025

Looking ahead, that logically rules him out for game two (May 8), game three (May 10), game four (May 12) AND possibly game five (May 13). Let’s be real. If Steph Curry really misses the next four games of this series, it could legitimately be over by the time he is healthy enough to return.

Related: Chris Finch Puts Anthony Edwards on Blast After Timberwolves Loss

If Minnesota Timberwolves vs Golden State Warriors does indeed go beyond game five, game six is scheduled for five days later, on Saturday, May 17. Before he left game one, Curry had already piled up 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting (3-of-6 from 3 pt).

In just 13 minutes played, Steph finished as the Warriors’ fourth leading scorer. Without Stephen Curry on the floor, Golden State doesn’t have a legitimate high-end scoring threat.

Golden State Warriors will turn offense over to Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler may have been that at the peak of his NBA career, later on in Chicago, then in Minnesota, Philly and Miami, and no doubt Steve Kerr will ask him to take on more of a scoring role in Steph’s absence.

But the 2011 first round draft pick is now 35 years old and coming off a season where he averaged under 18 points per game for the first time since 2013-14. Does he still have that in him? We’ll start to find out, beginning Thursday night, back in Target Center for game two.

Since being traded to Golden State before the trade deadline, Jimmy has settled in quite nicely as a secondary scorer next to Curry. Now, he’ll have to go back to offensive alpha, if the Warriors are going to have a chance.

Q: "What'd you learn from this Game 1?"

JIMMY: "That Steph is our best player" 😂@JimmyButler did his 'Robin' thing with 20p, 11r, 8a to help lift the Warriors in Game 1! pic.twitter.com/k6xaTch55r

— NBA (@NBA) May 7, 2025

As for the Minnesota Timberwolves, they need to take advantage of Golden State’s misfortune and dominate this series for every second that Steph Curry is forced to be in street clothes. Game one needs to look like a mirage, by the time their superstar returns… if he even does.

We’ll get to some of those momentarily. But first, let’s take a look at the current betting odds for the NBA Playoffs, after the Oklahoma City Thunder were shocked Monday night, in game one vs the Denver Nuggets, who now lead the series 1-0.

Sportsbooks like Minnesota Timberwolves in the West…?

Even after taking the upset haymaker in game one, OKC remains the betting favorite, not just in the West, but to win the entire thing, after Boston was also upset in game one of their round two series vs Karl-Anthony Towns and the New York Knicks.

Entering tonight’s tip at Target Center, the Minnesota Timberwolves currently hold the second-best odds (~3/1) to win the Western Conference and fourth-best odds (11/1) to win it all, according to major sportsbooks — DraftKings, FanDuel and BetMGM.

Aside from the Oklahoma City Thunder, only the East’s Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers have better championship odds than Minnesota. All three teams lost their first game of their second round series on Monday.

The Timberwolves are -6.5 favorites to beat the Golden State Warriors in game one and -180 favorites to win the series. They started out their playoff journey underdogs against the Los Angeles Lakers, and Vegas made a fortune on uneducated Lakers/Yankees/Cowboys fans.

Obviously, Steve Kerr, Steph Curry and the gang in Oakland have been there and seen it all. But this is another older team with plenty of superstar power, but no depth. Not to mention, neither Steph Curry nor Jimmy Butler are anywhere near 100% physically.

Now, let’s talk about these storylines…

Storylines galore for MN Timberwolves vs Warriors

Draymond Green will have to face the Rudy Gobert music, after years of bad mouthing the 7-foot Frenchman publicly whenever given the opportunity. He’ll have to prove everything he said during last year’s playoff run where he and the TNT crew mocked and ridiculed Gobert night in and night out. Oh, and there was the time he Draymond nearly choked Rudy out during a scrum a couple years ago.

"I'm a truth teller and right now the truth is, Rudy Gobert don't stand a chance against Joker."

Draymond Green absolutely laid into Rudy Gobert at halftime 😳

Facts or sour grapes? 🤔pic.twitter.com/E66wly4OqD

— Covers (@Covers) May 15, 2024

Draymond Green put Rudy Gobert in a headlock and was ejected 😳 pic.twitter.com/ub7ZT34WiL

— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) November 15, 2023

Then… there’s Jimmy Butler, who has to face the Minnesota Timberwolves fan base for a seven-game series. Tuesday marks the first time the now 35-year-old has played in front of the Target Center crowd… since 2021.

Minnesota traded Jimmy Butler to the Philadelphia 76ers in November of 2018. Initially, Butler had no problems coming back to Target Center. The Sixers beat the Wolves in his first game back, in January 2019.

Jimmy Butler afraid to play the Minnesota Timberwolves?

But after being traded from Philly to Miami, Butler lost his next two games back in Minneapolis (Apr. 2021, Nov. 2021). That’s when he must have decided he no longer likes playing at Target Center anymore. Because every time his team has been back since November 2021, Jimmy has found a way out out of the lineup.

Whether the excuse has been rest, illness or injury, Butler has refused to play basketball in MN against the Wolves for 3.5 years. That’s four full seasons of avoiding the Target Center fans. But really, he doesn’t like to play the Minnesota Timberwolves at all anymore.

Since November 2021, Jimmy Butler has only played the Wolves one time. It came in Miami back in December, 2023. That too ended in a Timberwolves win. Hmm, I am starting to understand why Jimmy doesn’t like playing against his former team. But starting tonight, there’s nowhere for Butler to hide.

Anthony Edwards onto his next superstar funeral…?

Anthony Edwards has already sent plenty of superstars packing in the NBA playoffs. His list includes Kevin Durant, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and LeBron James. He would be adding Steph Curry to that group with another series win, and Minnesota would make consecutive trips to the Western Conference Finals.

The Thunder are the clear favorite at every sportsbook, and they are projected to be on a collision course with the Boston Celtics. However, the Towns-led New York Knicks knocked off Boston in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Monday night. The Nuggets did the same in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.

Anthony Edwards taking out legends one-by-one:

❌ Kevin Durant
❌ LeBron James

Stephen Curry next? pic.twitter.com/rxTePjrIEe

— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) May 1, 2025

The Timberwolves can’t afford to get too far ahead of themselves. However, if they can advance another round and make things interesting against the Thunder, a ring doesn’t seem all that far-fetched.

Can the Timberwolves really do it?

Any assumptions that the MN Timberwolves will float easily by Golden State is a dangerous one. Even as slight favorites, they are in a similar spot as Los Angeles was prior to coming up short in round one. And we don’t have to mention how good we felt this time last year, entering the West Finals vs Dallas.

Related: MN Timberwolves President Pushes Back Against Rumors

If they can get it done, however, Vegas seems convinced that their next round opponent will be the Thunder. Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and the rest of Mark Daigneault’s roster is scary. They have seven players that averaged double-digits this season, and SGA is always a threat to be handed 30 free throws in a game.

The Wolves did split the season series vs OKC, but that would all go out the window if they meet in the Western Conference Finals. Again, that’s getting ahead of ourselves. All we know now is that this Minnesota Timberwolves team is coming together at the right time. It’s still a long shot, but why bet against them now?

Instead, it was full of plague and disease that infected the organization from from the inside-out and nearly sent the long-time desolate franchise into yet another tailspin of doom. Then, just 1.5 years after he arrived, Jimmy blasted off in search of warmer weather, leaving those who were there before him to cure the sickness he left.

Thankfully, one horrid season after Butler demanded his way out of town, Minnesota got the No. 1 pick and landed Anthony Edwards, which saved them from yet another bottoming out. And now, just a handful of years later, Jimmy Butler is forcing his way out of Miami, too.

"Jimmy Butler's gonna get traded." 😳 @WindhorstESPN says he's "more sure than ever" that the Miami Heat will trade Jimmy Butler and that teams could acquire him for a "relatively cheap" price. 👀 pic.twitter.com/WH0hBhHIgM

— First Take (@FirstTake) January 28, 2025

“Jimmy Butler is going to get traded. I wasn’t sure about that maybe seven to ten days ago. I really am more sure than ever that’s going to happen. The Heat are trying to make it happen. They have backed down on their ask to teams vs what they were two or three weeks ago, when this saga really started. They are willing to do more and I think there is really a chance now. More teams are going to wade in here, because the price on Butler is going to be lower, than just the Phoenix Suns, which is the way it’s been.”

Brian Windhorst – ESPN (First Take | 1-28-2025)

In case you haven’t heard, Butler has spent most of the past month either on the bench faking injuries, or suspended. This week, he returned to practice after a multi-game suspension. After being told he wasn’t going to start, he left team facilities and was suspended again. Now, the Heat are desperate to trade him.

Minnesota Timberwolves a team to watch in Jimmy Butler trade talks

This is where the (25-21) Minnesota Timberwolves come in. Jimmy Butler has a contract that is not very easy to move, especially given the circumstances. That means, they may have to swap him out with another player that isn’t as ‘wanted’ by his current team.

Enter Julius Randle, whose fit in Minnesota has been awkward since the moment he was acquired in a blockbuster deal for Karl-Anthony Towns late last offseason. Well, according to NBA insider Ian Begley (SNY), now that the Heat are more desperate to move their unhappy superstar, we need to “keep an eye on the Timberwolves in a Butler deal”.

According to reports, the Suns and/or Heat have talked to several teams about a three, four, or five-team deal involving Butler.

Keep an eye on Minnesota in a Butler deal. In the offseason, the Heat were one of the teams that expressed interest in trading for Julius Randle, per SNY sources. Randle has remained on the Heat’s radar during the Butler saga, sources say.

Ian Begley – SNY

Before Minnesota Timberwolves fans panic, let me bring some logic to the conversation. We know Jimmy Butler wants to go to Phoenix, and the Suns would love to swap out Bradley Beal for Jimmy Butler. Unfortunately for the Heat, Beal isn’t keen on waiving his no-trade clause, in order to land in South Beach.

Related: Dear Jimmy Butler: F*** You

Thus, it’s unlikely Butler lands back in Minnesota, even if they are one of the teams involved in making this trade happen. It does seem very possible, however, that Bradley Beal may be willing to waive his no-trade, in order to land with the Timberwolves. The winter weather isn’t as nice here (most of the time)… but the basketball team is better.

Timberwolves involved in Butler trade talks

Begley goes on to say that he does not know if the MN Timberwolves are actively involved in talks right now with the Heat, but he does report that the two sides have been in contact regarding possible trade packages including Jimmy Butler.

I don’t know if there are any active trade talks between Minnesota and Miami. But the two teams have been in touch on Butler trades.

As we all know, the Suns want to acquire Butler. The deal is complicated by Bradley Beal‘s no-trade clause. Phoenix would have to send Beal out to acquire Butler via trade.

Ian Begley – SNY

On the season, Jimmy Butler is averaging 17 points per game, down from his career average of 18.3. With that being said, both his rebound (5.2 RPG) and assist (4.8 APG) numbers are on par with what he has provided throughout his career, and his 54% shooting is far above his career average of 47.2%.

Related: Rudy Gobert Nearly Struck by Falling Piece of Target Center

Meanwhile, in Phoenix, Bradley Beal’s numbers are down all around. His 16.9 points per game is down nearly five whole points from his career average (21.7 PPG). His rebounds (3.5 RPG) and assists (3.5 APG) are both down too. In Beal’s defense, however, he was down last year too, after arriving in Phoenix to be the final piece to the Kevin Durant + Devin Booker championship puzzle.

Suns fan kicked out of the game for yelling “Jimmy Butler” while Bradley Beal was shooting free throws.

Bradley Beal wife was spotted in the front row of the section per her Instagram account.

This was during the 4th quarter with 36 seconds left in the game. pic.twitter.com/AwabFPZTQD

— 🌵 Mr. Az (@MrAzSports) January 26, 2025

I’m not sure anyone wants to see Jimmy Butler back in a Minnesota Timberwolves uniform. But honestly, either he or Beal would be a better option for what the Wolves need than Julius Randle. That fit has not, and will not work.

Jimmy Butler with an extremely candid media session.

Said he wants his joy back on the court.

Asked if he can find that joy here, he replied "Probably not." pic.twitter.com/AwSLbstr4W

— Wes Goldberg (@wcgoldberg) January 3, 2025

Reporter: How did you feel about your performance and focus tonight?

Butler: I felt great. I was focused. Felt like I did my job well. At least what my job is now.

Reporter: When you say what your job is now, we’re not used to seeing you stand in the corner for extended periods like that. Is that a change in the team approach that has cast you that way? And for you to be your best version of yourself, can that be your role and can you thrive to the best of your ability?

Butler: It can be my role here. But that’s not what I’m used to. I haven’t been that since my first, second, third year in the league where I just went out there and just played defense. I competed. I guarded. I tried not to let my man score. That’s what I’m doing now.

Reporter: [Heat] Coach [Eric Spoelstra] was in here saying he wants to get you more at the point and get you more activated, is that something that you’re amenable to? Is that something that might be necessary to get you back closer to the top of your game and your form?

Butler: That ain’t gonna fix it. […]

Reporter: What will fix it? What do you want to see happen to fix it?

Butler: I want to see me get my joy back for playing basketball. Wherever that may be, we’ll find out here pretty soon. But I want to get my joy back. I’m happy here … off the court. But I want to be back to somewhere dominant. I want to hoop. I want to help this team win and right now I’m not doing that.

Reporter: Can you get your joy back [in Miami] on the court?

Butler: Probably not.

Related: The Minnesota Timberwolves Need to Make Another Blockbuster Trade

Butler does not shy away from speaking his heart, which has caused him to receive heat from the media in the past. We’ve seen this type of behavior from Butler when he wants to push his way out of a team.

In the 2017-18 NBA season, Jimmy Butler was an MVP-caliber player when he first arrived in Minnesota. The then-28-year-old dynamic guard averaged 22.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 2.0 steals all while shooting a 47.4 percent clip from the field — taking the Timberwolves to their first playoff appearance in 14 years.

Remember when Jimmy Butler ensued chaos within the Minnesota Timberwolves organization?

Butler seemed like a cornerstone piece alongside Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins, but a blow-up in the following season ended Jimmy’s time with the Timberwolves.

The former No. 30th overall pick was said to be “fed up” with KAT’s “nonchalant attitude” and wanted out of Minnesota. In an act of rebellion, Butler refused to sign an extension and missed the majority of the Timberwolves’ offseason. In a dramatic return to his first practice, Jimmy Butler completely lashed out.

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported that Butler was “vociferous and intense” throughout the entirety of practice. He aimed to send a message to the Timberwolves’ players, coaches and front office. To do so, Butler led the team’s third-stringers to a scrimmage win over the starters and directed an explicit message to general manager Scott Layden: “You f—ing need me, Scott. You can’t win without me.”

After completely dominating the infamous practice, the win-hungry guard stayed in town for only a month longer before being dealt to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Related: Rob Dillingham Injury Update: Minnesota Timberwolves Top Pick Out for a While

Should the Timberwolves engage in a Butler Reunion?

Fast-forward to today. Butler is still unsettled, wants out of Miami, and is causing more media drama.

The highly talented forward will be in search of a new destination, and the Minnesota Timberwolves have been rumored to be active ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

Neither Wiggins, Towns nor Layden are part of the organization, so a deal to bring Butler back to the Western Conference could be something to monitor. A trade centered around Julius Randle and Butler could be in both teams’ interest, however, finding a solution to deal with salaries could pose an issue.

On the season, Butler is averaging 17.6 points — his lowest output since his third year — alongside 5.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.2 steals per game. The numbers may be concerning, but it’s important to note that Jimmy Butler hasn’t been aided to play his brand of basketball and a fresh start in a new city could be what it takes to revive his “joy”. But until then, lets remind ourselves of how we felt when we were still dealing with Jimmy.

Until any moves are made, the 18-17 Minnesota Timberwolves are slated for a Saturday matchup on the road against the 15-18 Detroit Pistons.

Related: Does a Jerami Grant for Julius Randle Trade Make Sense for the Minnesota Timberwolves?

And according to Shams (The Athletic), Netflix has decided to dig another sports documentary well right next to ‘Quarterback’, in hopes they can hit another spring of untold internet riches. And you know what? It looks like they’ve nailed it.

Related: Minnesota Timberwolves Depth Chart and Injury Report – 2024

Netflix NBA documentary will feature Anthony Edwards, among other superstars

Netflix, along with Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions, are currently filming an NBA version ‘Quarterback’ style documentary that will five different NBA superstars, including Minnesota Timberwolves blossoming stud, Anthony Edwards.

Who are the others, you ask? Well, you may have heard of them: LeBron James (Lakers), Jayson Tatum (Celtics), Domantas Sabonis (Kings) and former Timberwolf, Jimmy Butler (Miami).

Sources: Netflix is creating a new NBA documentary series modeled after its NFL "Quarterback" show. The five players chosen for first season of the project: LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, Jimmy Butler, Anthony Edwards and Domantas Sabonis.

🍿🍿🍿 pic.twitter.com/KoxSqZeJfD

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 10, 2024

Great move by Netflix

Seriously, this might be the most excited I’ve ever been for a sports documentary. The ‘Quarterback’ doc was cool and having Kirk Cousins as one of the QBs featured made it must-see TV immediately when it dropped. ‘The Last Dance’ was awesome too, especially given how everybody pretty much watched it together.

But this is different, just on star power alone. What NBA fan, no matter what team they root for, won’t want to see inside the lives of these 5 superstars? None of them. Every sports fan knows most of these names, even if the NBA isn’t your favorite league. Great move by the NBA and even better move by Netflix.

Related: Minnesota Timberwolves Contracts and Salary Cap 2023-24

Something else to note: The Minnesota Timberwolves flight from Orlando to Boston was grounded by Winter Storm Gerri on Tuesday night. Both Tatum and Edwards are being featured in this new doc.

Filming Edwards vs Tatum Wednesday Night?

I’m sure cameras are following all five of these stars throughout much of this season, if Netflix is indeed investing in this production like they did with ‘Quarterback’. Thus, I’d be shocked if cameras are not filming both Ant and Tatum in the days and hours leading up to their big rematch in TD Garden, tonight.

Remember that massive upset the Wolves pulled over the Celtics back in November? It was a win that really lit the fire on Minnesota’s hot start. One that also got the attention of national media members, like Bill Simmons. Boston fans are still upset, that’s confirmed.

Remember the documentary that Anthony Edwards got the last time the Celtics played the Timberwolves pic.twitter.com/DT2N3aUwYk

— Ian Inangelo (@iinangelo) January 10, 2024

Related: 3 Things That Can Keep Timberwolves atop Western Conference for Good

When this Netflix documentary eventually drops, I’ll be lowkey watching for footage of how this Wolves team handled a back-to-back of this magnitude, that now includes a grounded plane. The Magic are better this year but the Boston Celtics are the best team in the East and they have regular season revenge on their minds.

Throw in two stars from each team being followed by cameras for this massive production project in the days leading up to it… and then tell me Ant isn’t coming ready to play tonight? Jet lag and all? Ha, watch him go for 50.

Ant’s Baby Mama Drama Included in Filming?

Will Anthony Edwards’ baby mama drama from earlier this season be included in the documentary? I wouldn’t count on it. Remember, Netflix gave the Quarterbacks involved in the NFL version full control over the final cuts in that production. I’d imagine that, if LeBron James agreed to be involved, that’s the case in his documentary too.

But… I hope I’m wrong.

Related: It’s Twins vs Blue Jays in 1st Round of MLB Playoffs After Chaotic Season Finale in AL

Jimmy Butler rocks emo look at Miami Heat media day

But when former Minnesota Timberwolves disrupter and current Miami Heat leader, Jimmy Butler, rocks a full-fledged “emo” look for the team’s media day, anyone with even the smallest sense of humor needs to stop and appreciate it.

Butler straightened his hair and combed it over his face. He added rings in his eyebrow and lip to top off the look. Remember, pictures from today will be used all season long for 2023-24 national and local broadcasts, highlight reels and news stories.

“I’m emo”

– Jimmy Butler

(Via @ByTimReynolds ) pic.twitter.com/IrL9Nqqvyv

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 2, 2023

Jimmy Butler's new look for Heat Media Day 😅😭

(via @MiamiHEAT)pic.twitter.com/GIKry8asXM

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 2, 2023

Jimmy Butler finds new narrative in Miami

Jimmy Butler may not have worked in Minnesota, but since leaving, it’s become clear as to just how much of those issues had to do with personalities clashing between him and Karl-Anthony Towns, at the time. Not to mention, how little then coach Tom Thibodeau did to try and mend/foster that relationship.

Related: Minnesota Timberwolves schedule 2023: TV, channel, and more

Oh well, at least we got Anthony Edwards out of the entire debacle. And now, we can sit back and enjoy Jimmy Butler for who he is — a Miami Heat team leader who plays harder than anyone else on the floor most nights and a locker room troll who wants nothing more than a good laugh out of his teammates — not for the locker room debacle he orchestrated while with the Timberwolves.

Bam Adebayo: "The whole lip ring is annoying."

Jimmy Butler: "Look, I gotta stay in character."

Bam: "Sh*t. You get a haircut for Media Day."

Jimmy: "This is my halloween." 😂

(via jimmybutler/IG)pic.twitter.com/CvSIyN50fx

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 2, 2023

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Now days, Jeff Teague is out of the league (last played during the 2020-21 season). Of course, that doesn’t mean he’s out of mind. The 12-year NBA point guard recently started co-hosting a podcast recently called the “Club 520 Podcast” and on the most recent episode, Teague recanted the Jimmy Butler practice debacle story from his point of view.

Jeff Teague gives new perspective on Jimmy Butler blow-up

Included were some juicy details that had not been made public, up until this podcast airing. The best part is embedded in a clip below but let me set the scene because that clip doesn’t include the lead up to Butler’s post-scrimmage rant.

According to Teague, Butler got to training camp three days late. When he did finally show, he refused to participate in any drills early on at his first practice with the team. That was until, then head coach Tom Thibodeau, called for an intersquad scrimmage. At that point, Jimmy declared himself ready so Thibs named him as a starter next to KAT, Wiggins, Teague and Taj Gibson.

To that, Teague recants Jimmy yelling, “I ain’t playing with them”. From there, instead of putting himself on the 2nd team, Butler declared himself a member of the 3rd team. Guys who had absolutely no chance of making the team. So, Thibs replaced Butler, in the starting lineup, with Derrick Rose and the scrimmage between the 1st and 3rd team (plus Butler) began.

Jimmy goes nuclear

After Jimmy led his ragtag squad to victory over the starters, he went crazy, according to his former teammate, who I will let take it from here (clip transcribed below).

Jimmy Butler been the ????
Story time with Teague >>> pic.twitter.com/PBuNBZgNAa

— SBWells (@wellssssssssss) April 27, 2023

“Time run out and they win, they beat us like 18-6, right. Man, Jimmy going crazy. ‘Y’all think that team can win without me! I’m HIM! Pay me! Pay me!’ Mind you, he ain’t took off his Jordan warm up yet so he finally takes it off. He got the Timberwolves shirt on but he cut the Minnesota out so it’s just chest. He cut the Minnesota [logo] out the shorts, it’s just shorts.

He out here with a hole in the middle of his shirt, in the middle of his leg, so I’m crying now, you know? I’m crying… I’m like ‘yo bro, you crazy’ but I didn’t realize he just beat us with the G-League team so he’s like, ‘I just beat them with the G-Leaguers! This is your starters?!’ So now, I’m laughing, I’m still crying laughing, but I’m like ‘hold on, he talking about me… Yeah, I’m one of the starters’. So, I’m mad now. All of us [starters] are like ‘nah, F-that like we gotta play again!'”

Jeff Teague – Club 520 Podcast

Butler ditches practice for Rachel Nichols interview

Unfortunately for Jeff and the rest of the Wolves starters that day, they did not get another chance at beating Jimmy Butler’s 3rd stringers. Instead, according to Teague, Thibs made the starters play against the 2nd team first. At that point, Butler sprinted for the locker room

After the starters beat the 2nd team, all of them ran back to the locker room to retrieve Jimmy and demand a rematch. He was nowhere to be found. Why? Well after returning to the gym and completing practice, they returned to the locker room to shower and go home. Then, they turned on the TV and guess who was doing a live interview on ESPN with Rachel Nichols?

“Jimmy just darts to the locker room. I’m talking about running, fast as hell. So we play the second unit, we beat them. We [starters] all run to the locker room, we’re like, ‘Jimmy, bring your ass back out here, we want to play again!’ Jimmy gone. Jimmy at home.

We keep playing, we have practice for like another hour. We all showering, we go in the locker room and ESPN pop up. [It’s] Rachel Nichols and Jimmy Butler on TV. We like ‘what the f***!’. [Butler then tells Nichols in the interview] ‘yeah, I just killed them at practice and I think they all good players…’ We like ‘what… hold on’. I can’t make this up bro. He came and killed us and then did an interview at home. [It was] one of the most iconic moments I’ve ever been a part of in basketball, bro.'”

Jeff Teague – Club 520 Podcast

All planned out

That’s when the Minnesota Timberwolves locker room realized that Jimmy Butler had planned that entire day out. He knew he was going to go to practice and beat the 1st team with the 3rd team. From there, he scheduled Rachel Nichols to meet him back at his house, where he would tell her what happened, among other things.

"All my emotion came out at one time."

Jimmy Butler sat down with @Rachel__Nichols to talk about today's practice and what led to it. See more on SportsCenter at 6 ET and NBA Countdown at 7 ET ???? pic.twitter.com/znPpDwyW9y

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 10, 2018

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Oh no…. I’ve upset Timberwolves fans on Twitter…

I’m legitimately embarrassed for all of the Timberwolves fans acting like last night’s win over the Heat actually meant something in the ongoing Jimmy Butler nuclear fallout aftermath… it’s cringeworthy.

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) February 27, 2020

Totally get this. Better to enjoy a bit of winning than always be wanting more like me. That’s 100%.

It’s the “yeah, fuck you Jimmy! We told you we’d get you back!”, shit I’m seeing everywhere that has me cringing in embarrassment. https://t.co/GlwlwoZFmz

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) February 27, 2020

I’ve lost 5 followers this morning, which is no surprise. #TWolves fans are the most sensitive in the state.

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) February 27, 2020

It’s been a rough history between the Timberwolves fans on Twitter (and elswhere tbh), that haven’t already blocked me. Nobody likes the guy who claims to be the “Real MN Sports Fan”, according to his handle, then repeatedly runs your favorite Minnesota team into the ground.

What Wolves fans don’t realize, is that my actions (hit blogs and capitalized tweets) are born out of love and that my hostility comes from a place of sacrifice. I act this way for you… the fellow fan

I know, that it is very difficult for fans to see the long term picture clearly. I struggle with it too. It’s unnatural to cheer for your favorite teams to lose… but someone has to LOUDLY let the Timberwolves brass (clearly Gersson has heard myself and others) know that we are also smart enough to realize that losing/tanking is better for the team’s future, than winning meaningless games that won’t result in playoff appearances. Someone in the fanbase has to call for the tank so they know there won’t be anarchy if they keep losing.

I am ok with being that hated, loud figure, if that’s what it will take. Nail me to that cross, so I can die for you Wolves fans. You have bigger lives to live. You want to sit down and relax, when you get home from work or, for younger kids, home from school and activities. Maybe your job sucks or you deal with bullies all day at school…

I was living the adult hustle and bustle life with a kid and a cubicle job until last year. I get it. Now I just get called stupid on the internet for being smarter than everyone else. I know, I know… but someone has to carry this cross so just thank me with a follow and let’s move on.

Fans don’t want to root for their team to lose. You want to sit back in your recliner or on your favorite couch, grab that beer, glass of wine, or other semi-illegal recreational activity…. and you want to cheer for your favorite teams to win.

For sports fans, that’s natural. When your team loses, you want to be mad about it. When they win, you want to celebrate…. (especially when you beat the guy who strolled into town as the savior, but then left it as nothing more than a radiation-poisoned wasteland left by nothing short of the NBA player version of a nuclear bomb)

But my tweets on the subject (and their expected and associated aftermath) are not a reflection of last night’s win. Sure, I want us to lose every game possible so we can get better, because I am willing to be the sacrificial lamb of this fanbase, but I can’t expect others to be happy about it.

Like I said in my tweet above, it’s the fanbase going at Jimmy (publicly), as if last night’s win meant anything to the storyline of our broken narrative or anything to either party’s future…

Wait sooooo Jimmy Butler lost to some 3rd stringers and D-Lo??? pic.twitter.com/tmZ2S2KKxY

— Barflaan Tedoe (@The_Barftender) February 27, 2020

D’ANGELO RUSSELL BLOCKS JIMMY BUTLER TO WIN THE GAME.

YOU LOVE TO SEE IT! pic.twitter.com/8FgzXwlixt

— SKOR North (@SKORNorth) February 27, 2020

Just wanted to take this opportunity to say fuck Jimmy Butler forever pic.twitter.com/hjr7zJAL5Q

— luxcybaby (@luxcybaby) February 27, 2020

I just imagine jimmy butler with that white girl voice saying “like I just can’t” in this pic. https://t.co/wDeETrkX81

— The Daily Wolves (@TheDailyWolves) February 27, 2020

Hey @JimmyButler and @MiamiHEAT fans… pic.twitter.com/P9mmfML6Z2

— Minneapolis St.Paul Athletics (@MSPathletics) February 27, 2020

Again, it is one thing to feel good about a win as a fan. It also feels good to talk shit, as a fan. That is natural too. Some might argue (I wouldn’t but others might) that I talk too much shit, especially given my 5-9, 140 lb frame, so I understand the urge to throw anything possible back in Jimmy’s face.

But sometimes, if you talk shit, you look like a fucking idiot…. and this is one of those times, Wolves fans.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been a disaster of a franchise for almost all of its existence. Kevin Garnett saved us for 10 years so we avoided being a complete shit stain on the underwear of the NBA for our entire existence. When you pull back the curtain though, like many former players and employees from that era have done, it was ugly behind the scenes throughout KG’s tenure too.

Yes, I am starting to trust in what Gersson Rosas is doing and I am comforted by the fact that other trusted names around the league continue to praise him as a hire, and what he’s done since. But our redemption day on Jimmy Butler wasn’t last night.

Jimmy has built his career on playoff games and massive matchups that have raised him into one of the biggest stars in the NBA. He has played in 55 playoff games during his 8 seasons in the NBA.

The Timberwolves, over their 32 year existence, have played in 52 playoff games. Jimmy also has more wins than the Wolves over his 8 years (compared to our 32), with 22 victories to our 18.

This season, Jimmy will add more games and more wins to his playoff total. The Wolves will not. Who knows what that ratio will look like when Butler retires, but what I do know now, is this is not the time to be talking shit to him. We may never get a good chance. He might get away with all of his terrible transgressions, free of charge. That’s up for KAT, Saunders, Rosas and Co. to decide.

It’s the Timberwolves’ fault that their fanbase is this desperate… that they would stoop this low to throw some shade back at someone who deserves it so badly… Fans having nothing else left but to put such weight into a pitiful regular season win (WHEN WE ARE TRYING TO TANK), is the saddest part of this whole tragedy.

But, at least everyone is finally in agreement on Rosas being the right guy for the job, if there is one…. he even hides his agenda and fights rumors better than his peers already.

Tank that! https://t.co/YCQZLHImNP

— Gersson Rosas (@GerssonRosas) February 27, 2020

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan