The Timberwolves improved to 3-0 since trading Jimmy Butler with a resounding 112-96 victory at Target Center over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night, doing so in front of 18,978 fans and while wearing their black and purple Prince-inspired uniforms.
“I know our players are really excited about the uniforms and the night. It’s a great way to honor Prince,” head coach Tom Thibodeau said, via ESPN.
Among those in attendance was Wolves great Kevin Garnett, whom made the trip to watch his former team at the request of Karl-Anthony Towns.
“It was great to see him,” Towns said. “It was a long conversation with me and him to get him to come. So I’m happy he came and we played really well as a team.
“All he wants to do is see Minnesota succeed, so I’m just happy we gave him something to cheer about.”
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Minnesota has done nothing but succeed since trading Butler to the 76ers a week ago. In fact, including the two games Butler missed because of general soreness and precautionary rest, the Wolves are 4-1 without him and 3-8 with him.
The two key players the Wolves got in return for Butler were again productive. Robert Covington connected on four 3-pointers and finished with 14 points, five rebounds and three steels, and Dario Saric finished with nine points and seven rebounds in 27 minutes off the bench.
All five Minnesota starters scored in double figures, including a game-high from Andrew Wiggins who had 23 points to go along with five rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block.
Derrick Rose came off the bench and played really well with 17 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
Minnesota will look to extend its win streak to four when they host the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
