As the first quarter buzzer drowned out a hopeful Target Center crowd, the scoreboard read 26-20 in favor of the visiting Memphis Grizzlies. An inability by Wolves starters to connect on seemingly rudimentary shot-attempts gave the no-name Grizzies a reason to believe they could topple a team with so much at stake.
But as they reconvened for a critical second quarter, Jimmy Butler injected the Wolves with an energy that inspired their play for the remainder of a desperately needed, 113-94 victory. He took the game into his own, tenacious hands, doing a little bit of everything to help his team recapture the lead.