Wolves' Butler thankful for loss: 'We need to humble our damn selves'
The Minnesota Timberwolves had their win streak snapped at five, and Jimmy Butler thinks it's the wake-up call they needed.
"We need to humble our damn selves," he said following Tuesday's 108-102 loss to the Orlando Magic, according to Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune.
"I'm glad we lost. Came in here on our high horse, thinking we're a really good team, and we haven't done anything yet. Good for us man. They played better than us. They played harder than we did. They did everything right."
Related: Butler taking charge of Timberwolves
Minnesota had been on a tear, defeating five quality opponents by an average of 17.8 points. Even Tuesday's tilt was close until midway through the fourth, when the Magic went on a 14-4 run and never looked back. Evan Fournier recorded a season-high 32 points for the Magic, while Butler led the visitors with 28 points, seven boards, five steals, four assists, and two blocks.
Butler has forced his way into the MVP conversation, as he leads his new team with 21.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and two steals per game. Minnesota boasts the third-best point differential in the West and the fourth-best offense in the league.
Even with the defeat, the Timberwolves sit just a half-game back of the San Antonio Spurs for the No. 3 spot.