Jimmy Butler's frustration is going beyond his status with the team.
The 29-year-old forward said after the Timberwolves' 114-110 loss to the Lakers on Wednesday that the team deserves their 4-8 record because they have played eight "bad" games.
“I don’t believe in luck,” Butler told reporters, via USA Today. “I think everything happens for a reason. We played good, four games. We played bad, eight games.”
Butler pointed to the Timberwolves' lack of rebounding, particularly during a sequence in the final minute of Wednesday's loss.
“Very, very frustrating,” Butler added. “To know that we were that close and all we got to do is rebound the basketball. That’s been the story for us thus far, we have been right there, we’ve been out rebounded. We have to figure out a way to go get the ball.”
Butler, who requested a trade during the offseason, acknowledged it's still early but said the team can't use that as an excuse for how they have been playing.
“The season is still young but we can’t use that for too much longer, because these games come around quick,” Butler said. “We know what we have to do. I’d like to say it is going to be better the next game.”
Butler has only played in nine games this season as he said last week that he will tell the Timberwolves when he wants to play. He has averaged 22.2 points along with 4.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists.
The Timberwolves will face the Kings on Friday with tip-off set for 10 p.m. ET.
