The Wolves failed to rip through the Lakers last night. Their game 1 success would’ve seemed to give them the confidence to head to their home turf with a 2-0 lead. While they knew the Lakers wouldn’t fail to turn up, maybe they didn’t expect to what extentthat would happen. And with it all behind us, the Wolves players have been facing their fair share of criticism. In particular, from Stephen A. Smith towards Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle.
It’s weird to see SAS criticising Ant. For years, no one has been a harder advocate of the Timberwolves starlet. But he’s a victim of his own success. Despite putting in a 25/6 performance in game 2, he was far below his own standards. And when you’re coming up against LeBron James and Luka Doncic, you won’t succeed unless you mark your own territory. Which the Ant-Man failed to do.
“Yo, Ant-Man, you’re not answering the call. You’re not answering the call. I’m giving damn what the late can start you. 23 and a half points, 41 % shooting, 35 % from three point range. We expect better. When you going up against Luka Doncic and LeBron James, and you are the star of the other team, you got to do better than that,” said Smith on Edwards.
CHICAGO, IL – NOVEMBER 07: Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards 5 looks on during the second half against the Chicago Bulls on November 7, 2024 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire NBA, Basketball Herren, USA NOV 07 Timberwolves at Bulls EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon241107134
But he wasn’t the only one faltering. It’s hard to find problems in Julius Randle’s performance in the 2nd first round game last night. He dropped an impressive team-high 27 points, while also coughing up 4 boards, 6 assists, and a block and a steal each. But the word of the day is ‘predictability’- and Randle is a victim of it. According to Smith, that’s what played a part in Wolves’ loss night.
It’s ironic really. On one hand, Minnesota were dubbed ‘bipolar’ by SAS, saying that they can’t string a row of consistent results. But as for Randle, it’s the complete opposite case. His predictability on the biggest stage yet has got to be adhered to. Smith likes Finch. He knows the veteran coach can do something about it. But it has to come soon, with their playoff tie dead at 1-1 going into game 3.
“I don’t want to see Julius Randle with the ball at the top of the key looking to put the ball down. Everybody and their grandmother knows you’re going left… I don’t give a damn where he come. He’s coming left. He’s coming left. It’s what he does. You can’t do that against LeBron James. You can’t do that against the JJ Redick coached team, you can’t do that against Luka and those brothers. I don’t care. You cannot do that, because predictability will end your season,” said Smith on one of his everyday First Take rants.
But there’s a surprising turn of events in Randle’s case. Usually one to criticise him, Kendrick Perkins apologised to the public after his comments regarding Black Pau’s move away from the Knicks earlier this season.
Kendrick Perkins apologetic about Julius Randle slander
Let’s clock back to the past a little bit. In December 2024, SAS’ colleague KP issued a wild take that set itself up for failure. “Real talk. This trade by Minnesota could arguably go down as the worst trade in NBA history,” Perkins said. He thought that moving longstanding center Karl-Anthony Towns away from the squad for Randle would prove to be costly. Fastforward to April 2025, and he’s quickly eaten his words up.
“Julius Randle has been a fu—ng problem. Nobody wants to give this man his credit. Not saying that to you, but I’m just talking about overall. Yeah, just in general. Like, I gotta apologize to him. I was like- I didn’t know if he could be like what Karl-Anthony Towns was for them last season, post-season, right? But he stepped up to the plate,” said Perkins on Road Trippin’.
Randle himself was extremely critical of Minnesota’s performance. But as one of the most experienced players on the team, that’s the least that’s expected. For one, he said they have to start out better. Why? The Lakers had a 34-15 lead in the first quarter. And this just proves their dependency on Anthony Edwards. When he had possession, the Lakers took a page off the Wolves’ book- and huddled into packs. This was key to them winning the game. Randle knows- if they are to win game 3, they have to step up better as a team.
Jan 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) looks on during the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
With all eyes on Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle to do the unexpected, the focus of the NBA shifts to game 3 of this mega playoffs clash. The Lakers have the facoured momentum, with Luka Doncic and LeBron James speaking volumes on why they’re the most feared duo in the league. But which duo do you think will come out on top?
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