The Western Conference Finals were looking lopsided, with the Oklahoma City Thunder running riot in Games 1 and 2. However, Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves were not going down without a fight. The Wolves finally landed a blow on OKC, and sent a message to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Co. After winning the first two games, the Thunder were stunned as the Timberwolves physically dominated them in Game 3’s 143-101 blowout loss. OKC’s Chet Holmgren best described the most lopsided playoff loss in the franchise’s history. “It’s not complicated. Wherever they wanted to go, they got there. They did what they wanted to do. We didn’t stop them.” Holmgren said. But who made it possible?
Well, many would believe that Anthony Edwards was the star of the night, finishing the game with 30 points along with nine rebounds and six assists. However, the real ones would know that the architect of this victory was the veteran forward, Julius Randle. The Minnesota star scored 24 points, four rebounds, and even dished out three assists to ensure his team’s win. “He was a total 100% pro. He got benched. He wasn’t getting it done. He had a great game one. The next five quarters, he went five of 16, which was not effective. He was there four hours early for game three. And he had 23, I think, like, I think it was nine to 15. He, he had a professional response.” Brian Windhorst said about Randle.
The ESPN Insider revealed Julius Randle’s professional mindset even after a terrible showing in Game 2. So much so, that the 30-year-old forward showed up for practice four hours, yes, you heard us! Randle showed up 4 hours early to practice before Game 3. It seems that his extra effort paid off, as he went 9-of-15 from the field, while he finished the night only behind Edwards with 24 points. It has been a tough season for the Minnesota veteran, who had a shaky start to life in Minneapolis. Many fans turned against him midway through the season. However, he kept grinding and has risen in the playoffs. The Minnesota forward has had a 360-degree turnaround in his season since the playoffs tipped off.
Nov 7, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) reacts during the first half against the Chicago Bulls at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
He’s been averaging 22.8 along with 5.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists. Some stat line that is! “For Julius, there was a lot of frustration this season. Like the fit was something they had to spend most of the season figuring out. There was a lot of clunkiness, a lot, and he was getting a lot of heat. He was getting a lot of blame when they didn’t get it out of the gates. Not necessarily internally, but like just in the discussion around the team, God! played his best ball down the stretch as aside from one game, has had a great playoffs, you know, for a dude who’s known as a playoff performer.” ESPN’s Tim MacMahon stated on the ‘Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective’ podcast. Indeed, there was a lot of heat coming toward Julius Randle. However, he remained calm and let his game do the talking. One can say that he’s successfully turned the narrative around him.
Meanwhile, Brian Windhorst and Co. revealed Anthony Edwards’ incredible mindset during the playoffs.
ESPN analyst reveals the effect of Anthony Edwards’ personality, along with raising a health concern
We all know how blunt and nonchalant of a personality the Minnesota Timberwolves’ main man, Anthony Edwards, is. The 23-year-old shooting guard’s charisma seems to do wonders for the team. Edwards has gotten into a lot of trouble with the NBA due to his blunt personality. However, his teammates Julius Randle and Naz Reid say otherwise. Both Randle and Reid are the veterans of the team, and that comes with an added layer of responsibility. That sure must get stressful, but not with Edwards by them for support!
Feb 21, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts after scoring a basket during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst revealed that while having a chat with Randle, the Minnesota forward talked about how ANT’s good mood affects the entire locker room. “Randle told me that he was already trying to psych himself into not letting this be an issue because he’s like, I preach, you know, he’s an 11-year veteran now. Yeah. And he’s like, I preach to the young guys, you know, be a professional, whatever. You’ve got to be a professional. And like, so he’s trying to like talk himself into being okay with getting benched. And ANT is in such a good mood that by the time they’re halfway home, he’s actually like, finds himself like smiling because ANT was just pumping everybody up.” Windhorst narrated.
Randle stated that Anthony Edwards’ confident personality helped him big time during a low period. He talked about how he even forgot that he was worried about being benched just by talking to Edwards. However, it’s not just Julius Randle saying this; others, such as Naz Reid and even youngster Terrance Shannon Jr., have echoed similar opinions about ANT’s personality. Not just that, the All-Star shooting guard, despite being young, leads by example on the floor. “ANT then came out in the first quarter. And played himself to exhaustion. He put forth so much energy in that first quarter that he was literally almost needed oxygen at the end of the quarter.” Windhorst said. Indeed, Edwards is known for being one of, if not the most active, players in the league. But needing oxygen certainly would’ve made a few fans hold their breath.
Keeping that in mind, it will be interesting to see what the Timberwolves have lined up for Game 4 as they aim to bring this series back to level terms in front of their home crowd.
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