Julius Randle is back. The veteran forward dominated Minnesota’s 143-101 Game 3 victory over Oklahoma City.
Julius Randle scored 24 points in that game with 60% shooting without a single turnover. His +38 rating led the team with a bounceback performance.
Starry Night came after a brutal game 2 showing Randle managed just six points in a shooting of 18.2% in Minnesota’s 118-103 loss.
The contrast between performances would not have been Starker. From one of his worst playoff shows to leading the team in a plus-negative rating, Randle’s Game 3 effort exemplified the veteran’s calm.
At a post-game press conference, Randle believes Anthony Edwards provided an important inter-game motivation.
Randle said Edwards approached him shortly after a disappointing Game 2 loss when frustrated throughout the Minnesota team.
“Immediately after that game, he knows I am upset, I want to play well, not just because we lost.
“And he was the first person to meet me, and he said, “Both, just look back. You’re good. Don’t worry.”
“And as the flight progressed, I started to smile and laugh again,” added Randle.
For Randle, Edwards demonstrated the veteran leadership qualities.
“He’s in great harmony with his teammates about what’s going on,” Randle explained. “What he does, how special he is at night and at night, he is like a definition of selflessness.”
“He’s very mature and very in harmony with the team, and as a team leader, you need it,” Randle pointed out.
Edwards also supported off-court leadership with 30 points and nine rebounds in Game 3. His two-way influence helped Minnesota dominate multiple statistical categories for the talented roster of Oklahoma City.
In Game 3, the Timberwolves rediscovered a 3-point shooting with a 15-10 victory in sales. Minnesota was connected with 20/20 attempts from deep (50%) after struggling to just 28.8% on the road in the first two games.
And the dynamic duo’s performance was what Minnesota needs to avoid falling into a devastating 3-0 hole. Their chemistry at both ends of the floor proved important in a blown victory, and the Timberwolves renewed confidence when tracking 2-1 in the series.
The Timberwolves have a competitive firepower for the series as Randle finds his rhythm and Edwards continues his fantastic play.