Jimmy Butler: Derrick Rose makes big Timberwolves claim after NBA win over Jazz
JIMMY BUTLER’s absence did not faze the Minnesota Timberwolves against the Utah Jazz.
That is the verdict of Butler’s team-mate Derrick Rose.
Butler - who is in a stand-off with Wolves as he tries to seek a move away from the franchise - was rested for the NBA clash.
Rose masterminded the victory by scoring a career-high 50 points in the game.
Rose cut up the Jazz’s defence and provided six assists on the 128-125 victory.
All the talk in the build-up to the game surrounded Butler and why he was sitting it out.
Despite not having Butler at his disposal, Rose reckons the Wolves coped just fine.
“We got a young group,” Rose said when asked about the impact of having two of their regular starters missing.
“My job is to come in and be the veteran and come and help the guys out.
You see me talking. That’s the most I’ve talked to my team-mates throughout my entire career
“I have to lead by example.
“You see me talking. That’s the most I’ve talked to my team-mates throughout my entire career.
“So it means a lot.”
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Aside from Rose, Karl-Anthony Towns played a key role in the win.
He scored nine of his 28 points in the third quarter, while Donovan Mitchell amassed 26 points.