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NBA Power Rankings Week 6: New faces in the top ten

By Jack Simone

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 22: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets stands next to Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on November 22, 2021 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 22: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets stands next to Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on November 22, 2021 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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NBA Power Rankings
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts after fouling out against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half at the Wells Fargo Center on November 27, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Timberwolves defeated the 76ers 121-120 in double overtime. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Week 6 NBA Power Rankings: 17. Minnesota Timberwolves (10-10)

Rank last week: 22nd

Last week: (3-1) – @ NOP (W), vs. MIA (W), @ CHA (L), @ PHI (W)

Offensive rating: 106.9 (18th in NBA)

Defensive rating: 105.4 (10th in NBA)

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been rolling lately. They have won six of their last seven games and seven of their last ten, now sitting at 10-10 on the season.

It’s been a rollercoaster of a year for Minnesota, as there has been very little consistency. They started off the year hot, went cold for a while, and are back to being hot again.

Their three-headed monster of Karl-Anthony Towns, D’Angelo Russell, and Anthony Edwards have been great over the last week, and Malik Beasley is finally starting to step things up, too.

However, the unsung hero of the Wolves lately has been Jarred Vanderbilt. His impact on the glass and on the defensive end have been crucial to Minnesota’s success.t

Season outlook: The Timberwolves’ sole playoff appearance in the last decade or so came with Jimmy Butler on the team. Now, they’re trying to make something happen with their young core. If they can continue to play defense at the level they have been, they should be in the fight for a play-in spot at the very least.