Those who know a thing or two about Tom Thibodeau are aware of two of his most distinct traits — he loves defense and he loves making his veterans earn their checks.

The latter has been so much the case, that his young Minnesota Timberwolves are already leading the league in games played over 40 minutes, according to HoopsHype.

Tom Thibodeau has been grinding his guys into heavy minutes from the early get-go, as the newly-extended swingman Andrew Wiggins and recently-acquired Jimmy Butler are tied for fifth in the league in minutes with a 36.9 per game mark.

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Veteran teams like Utah and San Antonio have been very diligent about player rest and minute limitations, with studies indicating that constant minutes over 35 can take a strain in this much more explosive and athletic game.

Young teams like the Sacramento Kings and the Brooklyn Nets also find themselves with zero games with a player over 40 minutes, given their focus on growing young players and providing opportunities to several of them.

Even teams like the Golden State Warriors have rested and kept a close eye in minutes, as the only two games played over 40 were for Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant in an overtime affair with the Los Angeles Lakers — the only overtime game of their season.

Thibs might be building good chemistry by keeping the Timberwolves on the court for long stretches, but ultimately it won't serve much if they end up hobbled on the bench by season's end.