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MINNEAPOLIS – The unusual clash between Jimmy Butler and the Minnesota Timberwolves took another turn Friday night, as fans overwhelmed it with huers when it was introduced. sings after a masterful performance.
Butler grumbled at the team leadership that they could not win without him when he returned to practice last week after making an exchange request. He supported this during the Wolves' home opener, scoring 33 points on 10 out of 12 shots with four interceptions and two blocks. A crucial flight and a dagger at the last minute ended a 131-123 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
During the match, he smiled at the fans who mocked him, sometimes barking against coach Tom Thibodeau and pbading in front of the owner, Glen Taylor, while Taylor greeted the players just before the match.
"I like it, I love it," Butler said. "I think people like to hate me sometimes, say what you mean, but it really makes me smile, what people think of me, but it does not matter, you have to respect my efforts."
Last player out of the locker room as his teammates headed to the airport for a late flight to Dallas, Butler said he liked being in the role of the villain. And there is no end in sight with the Wolves who are not currently engaged in substantive trade discussions and seem to depend on his contributions.
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Jimmy Butler says he "likes" when the fans make him ashamed as the Wolves are winners and hope the fans will soon cheer.
As he hinted in previous interviews, Butler said that fans and media did not know the whole story and had made him the "bad guy" without all the facts. When asked to elaborate, he refused. He also targeted some of his teammates, another common element of the saga, calling the Wolves play piece a "damned washer" after almost losing a 21-point lead over Cleveland.
"You can not love me, I'm fine, but as long as you know that my mind and heart are in the right place, that I'm doing everything to win and that I'll do anything for my guys" Butler said.
When it was pointed out that playing at this level at Butler would only make wolves want to keep him longer, he replied, "What do you want me to do, shave points?" ? "
Meanwhile, Butler's teammates continued to be in a strange space, offering support while keeping their distance. Andrew Wiggins, who had 22 points on Friday, got dressed and left the arena quickly. It was the same for Jeff Teague, who had nine points and seven badists.
"Jimmy's on the record," teammate Tyus Jones said to boo. "He's busy with his stuff when he's in the field, Boos, cheers, whatever."
Thibodeau, who has been instructed by Taylor to focus on coaching rather than on possible Butler trades, has continued to downplay the importance of the situation.
"It's the NBA," said Thibodeau about Friday night's events. "The only thing with fans is the appreciation of a guy who plays hard and puts every effort forward."
With a smile on his face while he was discussing strange circumstances, Butler seemed to be resting in discomfort.
"I just play basketball, I play hard, I play to win," said Butler. "I know they're going to hate me at the end of the day, it'll happen."
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