In the second year under head coach Tom Thibodeau, the Minnesota Timberwolves have reached the playoffs for the first time in 14 years. It has been behind the often brash coaching style from Thibodeau.
This has also developed a strong reputation over the years as a head coach where he was often criticized for playing his veteran players in extensive roles on the floor that were perceived as being more than necessary. Veteran forward Taj Gibson has taken a playful jab at his longtime head coach.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhj7cIEFOFA/?taken-by=tajgibson22
There is no malice involved just a comical post about the public perception of the Timberwolves head coach. It's also clear that it has had no impact on his standing with his players especially those that have played under him dating back to his days with the Chicago Bulls.
Nonetheless, Minnesota is hoping that this current roster could lead them to success with a possible first-round upset of the top-seeded Houston Rockets, who finished with the best record in the league. The Rockets were able to sweep the season series against the Timberwolves with three of them coming in convincing fashion in double-digit victories.
In his first campaign with the Timberwolves, Gibson played in a major role starting in all 82 games where he averaged 12.2 points on a career-high 57.7 percent shooting from the field with 7.1 rebounds in 33.3 minutes per contest. He will likely figure heavily into the equation in the postseason with a matchup against PJ Tucker that could play an impactful role in how the series plays out.
Minnesota will likely lean on their pair of All-Stars in Jimmy Butler and Karl-Anthony Towns to lead the charge on both ends of the floor to set the tone. All of this should make for an entertaining series between two highly talented teams.
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