So far for the Minnesota Timberwolves, in the great postseason so far, Julius Randle has turned into a big revelation.
For good reason, Anthony Edwards praised his important role in the success of the Minnesota Timberwolves this postseason. But Julius Randle has been an equally large part of their victory in the two opening rounds.
Randle has built NBA playoff history in production and efficiency in the first 10 postseason games of four players matched teams, averaging a massive production of 23.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 5.9 assists on 50.9% shooting.
After helping the Timberwolves beat the Golden State Warriors team in five games in the West semi-finals, Draymond Green admitted that he was completely overtaken by Randle during the series.
And following the team’s previous first-round victory over the LA Lakers, manager Chris Finch was simply proud of how Randle forced an overwhelming statement amid the “unfair criticism” he endured early in his career.
In the blink of an eye, both Randle and the Timberwolves finally understood everything.
Before the season began, questions were swirling around Minnesota about Randle’s fit with the team following the arrival of his blockbuster trade, which sent beloved franchise star Karl Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks.
Kendrick Perkins vehemently argued that the T-wolves may have led “the worst trade in NBA history.” And the noise became much louder after Randle himself openly admitted that he had found real hardships to adapt to the Minnesota system.
But fast forward to today, Randle and the Timberwolves stand strong as one of four teams that can win everything. After beating the Lakers and Warriors in the process, they now have one series victory from reaching their first NBA Finals.
According to Lou Williams, Randle’s midseason injury absence served as a key turning point for his continued, persuasive run with the Timberwolves.
“It may have been their best case scenario that he was injured this season, because he gave him the opportunity to sit down and watch this team play and see them grow.”
“He was able to understand where it would fit, what they needed while out and how they could help them when he returned.
“That’s what led them to this point. It was when he looked at it, ‘Well, maybe that wasn’t the best way.’ He adjusted the game and when he came back from his injuries, they were a completely different team. ”
From late January to early March, Randle was sidelined for a total of 13 games due to a gro caliber injury.
However, upon his return, the Timberwolves surged and officially seized a form of hope for the postseason. With Randle Bowling rejuvenated and finally recognizing the group’s structure, Minnesota closed the regular season with a 17-4 card, earning the sixth-place seed in the West with 49 wins.
Chris Finch previously claimed that the Timberwolves began to get used to Randle in late December. However, this important stretch later in the season definitely played some of it, giving Randle the opportunity to recharge physically and mentally.
Now they are benefiting as they are one of the driving forces of postseason success.