10/20 Utah Jazz at Minnesota Timberwolves: Keys to the Game

Key #3 – Contain Jimmy Butler

Minnesota’s recently added All-Star Jimmy Butler had a less than memorable Timberwolves debut as he went just 5-of-12 from the field for 12 points against the Spurs. Nevertheless, he’s a proven scorer capable of shouldering a hefty offensive load, so the Jazz will have to be aware and ready to contain him.

Not only that, but Butler had his way with the Jazz last season as he logged 20 points or more in each of the contests against Utah in which he led his mediocre Chicago Bulls team to victory both times. Fortunately, the Jazz have an array of savvy wing defenders that should be able to help make Butler’s life miserable. Doing so will be critical if they hope to stop him and his newly-joined Timberwolves squad.

There’s bound to be some growing pains throwing a veteran like Butler in with a young core and several new faces. However, given his overwhelming talent, it’s unlikely that it will take him long to adapt. Thus, the Jazz need to be careful to not allow him to get into a rhythm and hopefully take advantage of the time it will surely still take him to get comfortable on a new squad.