In this splendid postseason run so far for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Julius Randle has transformed into a major revelation.
With good reason, Anthony Edwards has commanded praise for his key role in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ success this postseason. But Julius Randle has been an equally big part of their triumphs in the two opening rounds.
Averaging a huge production of 23.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.9 assists on 50.9 percent shooting, Randle has made NBA Playoff history with production and efficiency in his first 10 postseason games for a team that has only ever been matched by four players.
After helping the Timberwolves take down the Golden State Warriors team in five games in the West Semifinals, Draymond Green admitted he was completely outclassed by Randle during the series.
And following the team’s previous first-round triumph over the LA Lakers, head coach Chris Finch was simply proud of how Randle stamped a resounding statement amid “unfair criticisms” he endured earlier in his career.
In just a blink of an eye, both Randle and the Timberwolves finally figured everything out.
Before the season began, doubts were already swirling around Minnesota about Randle’s fit with the team following his blockbuster trade arrival that sent beloved franchise star Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks.
Kendrick Perkins wildly claimed that the T-Wolves could have pulled the “worst trade in NBA history.” And the noise became much louder after Randle himself openly admitted that he found real hardships in adjusting to Minnesota’s system.
But fast forward to today, Randle and the Timberwolves are standing strong as one of four teams left that can win it all. After beating the Lakers and the Warriors in the process, they are now just one series triumph away from making it to their first-ever NBA Finals.
According to Lou Williams, Randle’s midseason injury absence served as the critical turning point of his ongoing compelling run with the Timberwolves.
“Him getting injured this season might have been the best-case scenario for them, because it gave him an opportunity to sit back, watch this team play, and watch them grow,” the former NBA star said on Run It Back.
“He could figure out where he could fit in, what things they needed while he was out, and how he could help them once he returned. You hate to see a guy get injured, but him being out for an extended amount of time, and then coming back and fitting in like a glove, was probably the gift and the curse of their season.
“That’s what got them to this point. It allowed him to watch and realize, ‘Okay, maybe my way of going about it wasn’t the best way.’ He adjusted his game, and when he came back from injury, they were a completely different team.”
From late January to early March, Randle was sidelined for a total of 13 games as he nursed a groin injury.
But upon his return, the Timberwolves skyrocketed and officially seized their desired form heading to the postseason. With a rejuvenated Randle balling and finally aware of the group’s structure, Minnesota closed out the regular season with a strong 17-4 card to clinch the No. 6 seed in the West with 49 wins.
Chris Finch previously argued that the Timberwolves began to familiarize themselves with Randle back in late December. But this important stretch late in the season undoubtedly played it’s part too, also allowing Randle a chance to recharge physically and mentally.
Right now, they are reaping the benefits, with Randle one of the driving forces of their postseason success.
