The Jimmy Butler-less Minnesota Timberwolves bowed out in Salt Lake City after losing their matchup with the Utah Jazz, 116-108. It was a contest marred by a questionable and game-changing call by the official towards the end of the first half.
For the first time in his career, All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns was ejected from the game after two quick whistles by the referee who did not like a seemingly non-technical worthy reaction by the big man.
At the five-minute mark of the fourth quarter, Jazz forward Jae Crowder got involved in a heated moment with Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau. The exchange resulted in a double technical being assessed on the two bull-strong personalities.
What started it all, though, was Jeff Teague throwing Ricky Rubio to the crowd with a blatant bodycheck. Players quickly intervened to prevent further escalation of the tension and the encounter between player and coach ensued.
Even though Butler is not with the team as he nurses a serious injury, he still found a way to express his emotions through a series of tweets; one of which was directed at Crowder:
“Jae get away from my coach. You don’t want no smoke either.”
As it turns out, no injury isn't going to limit Butler's tenacity. One can only imagine how bad he wanted to be on the floor upon seeing his teammates get involved in such a predicament. Most importantly, he could have made a huge difference in the final outcome had he been playing.
The Timberwolves will have to endure Butler's absence for an extended period, and it will be a tall task for the rest of the pack to ensure that they stay alive come playoff time to welcome back their leader.
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