Heading into Tuesday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Timberwolves had a lot to play for. Not only was it a chance to reach .500 for the first time since early December, but the game was a battle of pride.
After a messy breakup with the organization 13 games into the season, current Sixer Jimmy Butler was waiting eagerly for the Wolves in the City of Brotherly Love. Next to him was All-Star center Joel Embiid, whose long-standing rivalry with Karl-Anthony Towns has been well publicized. This was no average regular season game.