Only 24 hours after a deflating loss in Denver, the Timberwolves came out flat in Los Angeles and flirted with disaster before coming to their senses in the third quarter.
Jimmy Butler started and played 23 minutes in the win. He looked rusty early on, missing his first couple of shot attempts from the field and struggling at the free throw line, largely coming up short with his shot. He looked winded at times, and understandably so after not playing for exactly six weeks.
The Wolves’ defense was significantly better with Butler, of course. They were far more active in the passing lanes, tallying 14 steals and forcing 20 Laker turnovers on the night.