Following a slow start to their Conference Finals matchup against the Thunder, the Minnesota Timberwolves delivered a commanding victory in Game 3, fueled largely by Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards. While Edwards has been widely praised for his efforts, former NBA star Dwyane Wade highlighted Randle’s powerful impact as a key factor in the Wolves’ comeback during his WYNetwork podcast. This recognition underscores Randle’s growing role as a decisive player in Minnesota’s playoff run.
Randle Overcoming Past Criticism to Shine in Minnesota
Julius Randle’s reputation has evolved notably during these playoffs. Once regarded as a dependable but inconsistent performer in postseason settings, especially during his time with the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers, Randle faced skepticism about his ability to deliver when it mattered most. Wade addressed this during his podcast, emphasizing how Randle’s current environment with the Timberwolves has allowed him to reclaim his confidence and play more authentically.
Julius Randle is somebody that people like to sh*t on,
Wade stated,
“They want to throw Julius Randle away. They thought that when he went to Minnesota, they threw him away. Now he’s here. And I love the fact that he’s getting the chance to shine.”
—Dwyane Wade, Hall of Famer
The empowerment of everything around Julius, and it’s allowed Julius Randle just to be him,
Wade added, highlighting the positive effect of Edwards’ leadership on Randle’s confidence on the court.
Game 3 Performance Confirms Randle’s Key Role in Wolves’ Success
After being benched late in Game 2, some doubted whether Randle could maintain his high level of postseason play. He quickly dispelled those doubts in Game 3, scoring 24 points in 30 minutes with 60% shooting accuracy. Randle’s flawless ball control and effective offense contributed significantly to the Wolves’ 42-point blowout win, marking a crucial shift in the series momentum. His +38 plus-minus rating demonstrated his influence across the floor, proving that his performance was no fluke.
Randle’s Physical Presence and Playstyle Vital to Playoff Strategy
The Timberwolves’ playoff offensive plan heavily relies on Randle’s skill set. While Edwards demands constant attention and often attracts double teams, Randle’s role is to capitalize on these defensive adjustments. His ability to assert himself under the basket and draw fouls puts opposing players at risk of foul trouble, which creates more freedom for Edwards to operate in isolation. This dynamic makes Randle an indispensable component of Minnesota’s push towards the NBA Finals.
As the series progresses, the Wolves are expected to continue leveraging Randle’s toughness and scoring efficiency to maintain offensive pressure and control the pace of the games. This combination of efforts from Randle and Edwards poses a significant challenge for the Thunder’s defense and could prove decisive if the Wolves want to advance.