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Minnesota Timberwolves: November player grades

By James Grieco

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 26: Derrick Rose #25 celebrates with Robert Covington #33 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on November 26, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Timberwolves defeated the Cavaliers 102-95. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 26: Derrick Rose #25 celebrates with Robert Covington #33 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on November 26, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Timberwolves defeated the Cavaliers 102-95. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Karl-Anthony Towns

November: 14 GP, 34.1 MPG, 21.6 PPG, 13.0 RPG, 1.2 BPG

Just looking at the difference in his stats from October to November, it’s clear Towns played better, but that is far from the whole story.

Whether it’s going to WWE Smackdown with his teammates or taking more responsibility as the team leader, Towns is clearly a changed man now that the Jimmy Butler storm clouds have moved eastward. On the court, he was more assertive and vocal this month, and off the court, reports about him have been glowing, such as this one from The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski.

NBA legend and psychotic competitor Kevin Garnett has constantly praised KAT’s work ethic.

Now the primary option on offense, KAT’s usage rate increased from 23.4 percent in October to 26 percent in November. His shot attempts reflect that, inching up from 14 per game to 15.7 per game, despite taking fewer 3s and free throws in November.

Towns was free to post up more often and the team actively looked to feed him the ball much more often than when Butler was still around. This led to more shots at the basket and his effective field goal percentage rising from 51.8 percent last month to 56.8 percent this month.

Towns’ specialness was most on display in his magnificent 35-point, 22-rebound, six-assist performance against the Chicago Bulls on Saturday — the second night of a back-to-back. He carried the Wolves to victory despite Wiggins and Covington shooting a combined 1-of-30.

November was a boon for KAT; if he maintains his defensive effort and gets more comfortable facilitating out of the post — he has more turnovers than assists on the season so far — I see a lot of A-pluses in his future.

Grade: A-

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