Jimmy Butler’s unusual relationship with the Minnesota Timberwolves continued on Friday night as fans showered him with boos when he was introduced, only to turn and serenade him with “MVP!” chants after a masterful performance.

During the game, Butler smiled at fans who jeered him, barked at coach Tom Thibodeau at times and walked right past Glen Taylor as the owner greeted players just before tipoff.

When it was pointed out that Butler playing at this level might make the Wolves want to hold on to him longer, he responded: “What you want me to do, shave points?”

With a smile on his face as he discussed the strange circumstances, Butler seemed to be basking in the discomfort.

Butler always gives maximum effort on the court, is he a bit of diva? Sure, but you deal with it when you have an MVP type two way player playing hard.