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Jimmy Butler booed then cheered in Wolves home opener

Saturday 20 October 2018 10:31, UK

Jimmy Butler remains in the Timberwolves starting lineup despite demanding a trade
Image: Butler scored 33 points to help the Timberwolves hold off a late charge from the Cavaliers

Disgruntled guard Jimmy Butler was greeted with boos before Minnesota's home opener, but soon won the fans over as he led the Timberwolves to a 131-123 victory over the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers.

Week 1: Friday's NBA results

  • Hornets 120-88 Magic
  • NY Knicks 105-107 Nets
  • Celtics 101-113 Raptors
  • Hawks 117-131 Grizzlies
  • Cavaliers 123-131 Timberwolves
  • Kings 129-149 Pelicans
  • Pacers 101-118 Bucks
  • Warriors 124-123 Jazz
  • Thunder 92-108 Clippers

Butler, who has demanded a trade amid reports of dissatisfaction with some of his younger team-mates and is making it known that he will not re-sign with the team, scored 33 points added seven rebounds, four steals and three assists.

By the midpoint of the second quarter, fans were chanting "MVP" when Butler came to the foul line.

Andrew Wiggins pitched in with 22 points and Anthony Tolliver hit three 3-pointers off the bench to bolster a vintage all-around effort by the four-time All-Star Butler.

Jimmy Butler of the Minnesota Timberwolves goes to the basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers
Image: Butler was initially booed by the home fans but his performance led to chants of "MVP"

Kevin Love had 25 points, 19 rebounds and seven assists for the Cavaliers.

Minnesota held a 104-95 lead entering the final quarter but the Cavaliers brought it back to within 121-117 with 4:02 remaining.

The Cavaliers could not get closer and Butler scored to make it a six-point margin with 24.2 seconds left, then added two free throws with 13.5 seconds to close it out.

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Highlights from the NBA as the Cleveland Cavaliers took on the Minnesota Timberwolves

"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."

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After being greeted by boos from the home support, Timberwolves' Jimmy Butler told the media he's fine with the fans expressing their feelings.

"That's the NBA. He loves it," coach Tom Thibodeau said. "The important thing is to get the win. With fans, there's going to be an appreciation for a guy who puts forth that type of effort."

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