Some things just can’t be explained.
It was only 15 days ago that the Timberwolves lost to the Bulls in Chicago with Jimmy Butler in the lineup. On Saturday night, the Wolves suited up just 24 hours after losing their All-Star wing for at least a few weeks and defeated those same Bulls.
The Timberwolves played a solid first quarter behind strong starts from Jeff Teague and Andrew Wiggins. After taking a 31-24 lead into the second frame, the defense fell apart, leading to an impressive run from the young Bulls.
The Wolves’ Butler-less rotation only included eight players and featured some lineup combinations that are surely not as comfortable playing together as a unit.