Timberwolves’ Jimmy Butler started Friday’s NBA opener with boos from fans who were unhappy with his demand to move away from Minnesota in the offseason. But by the time the game ended; the jeers had turned into chants as the 29-year-old converted 10 of 12 shots to end the game with 33 points to his name.
When Butler was introduced in Friday’s game, Minnesota fans expressed their displeasure at the 29-year old. It didn’t matter Butler had been impressive on the court. The fans turned out to boo and jeer the point guard every time he touched the ball.
Failed Offseason Trade Request
Butler had the jeers coming with his multiple attempts to bail out of the Timberwolves in the offseason. He tried completing a move to the Miami Heats but the deal collapsed at the eleventh hour. Coach Tom Thibodeau, partly responsible for the deal’s collapse, also received a serving of the jeers. The coach raised Butler’s asking price in the last minute to force South Beach to back out of the deal.
After booing the player a few times during the game, Minnesota’s fans calmed down as Butler continued to convert shots. A section of the fans started MVP chants and continued cheering him until the end of the game. By then, Butler had scored 33 points to help his team beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 131-123.
