The Minnesota Timberwolves are a .500 team again, and they can cite their defense as one of the causes.
The Wolves were one of the league's worst defensive teams three weeks ago when Jimmy Butler played in his last game, and they have gradually improved on the defensive end since trading him to Philadelphia.
The Wolves hope to keep it going and get over .500 for the first time this season Saturday night when they host the Boston Celtics.
Minnesota (11-11) is 7-2 in the nine games since sending Butler to the 76ers for Robert Covington and Dario Saric.