Butler leads Timberwolves over Cavs

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS

Jimmy Butler’s trade request last month instantly turned him from fan favorite to scorned superstar in Minnesota.

With some hustle steals and highlight-reel baskets, he quickly had the crowd at the home opener on his side.

Butler brushed off some early jeers, scoring 33 points to lead the Timberwolves past the Cleveland Cavaliers 131-123 on Friday night.

“I knew as soon as I made an effort play, it was going to turn into cheers,” Butler said. “I like it, though. Like I told you, ‘It’s OK to boo me. I’m still going to play hard. I’m still going to try to my best to help win games. Boos, cheers, silence, I’ve got a job to do.”

Andrew Wiggins pitched in with 22 points and Anthony Tolliver hit three 3-pointers off the bench.

Butler made 10 of 12 field goals and 12 of 12 free throws, with seven rebounds, four steals and three assists to help the Timberwolves (1-1) hold off a late charge by Kevin Love and the Cavaliers.

“As long as he plays well, the tide will change,” said Taj Gibson, who had 13 points and eight rebounds.

Love had 25 points, 19 rebounds and seven assists against his former team, but the Cavaliers (0-2) have a lot of work to do to become a contender again. They allowed the Wolves to score a franchise record for points in a home opener.

“It’s going to be a growth year for us. There’s going to be a lot of lessons for us,” Love said. “If we can just put consistent basketball together, there’s going to be a number of teams that we’re going to be able to beat and we’re going to give the best teams a good run for their money.”

With a layup by Collin Sexton at the 4:02 mark, the Cavs were within 121-117. Cedi Osman’s 3-pointer kept the Cavs within 125-120, but he missed his next one after Jeff Teague failed to convert a layup on the other end.

ALL FOR LOVE

Osman had 22 points, Jordan Clarkson added 19 points off the bench and Tristan Thompson totaled 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Cavs, who trailed 83-62 early in the third quarter. Love brought them to life with a 3-pointer that sparked a 24-10 spurt.

“He made some shots, really commanded the ball in the post, made some good passes,” coach Tyronn Lue said. “That’s the Kevin we’re used to.”