Julius Randle continued his blistering March run for the Minnesota Timberwolves with a 25-point and eight-assist game against the Phoenix Suns. It was a fantastic performance, which continued his offensive growth with the Timberwolves.
Coach Chris Finch has a talented roster, but the team will always rely on Anthony Edwards to be the top star on offense. Now, they also have Julius Randle who can pick up the slack whenever Ant is resting.
Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
In 13 games in March, Randle has averaged 18 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. He might have had better stats in previous seasons, but the burly power forward has become more dangerous on offense.
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The bump in playmaking has been the most noticeable one because he has integrated himself well into Finch’s offense and has grown into a leader for the rest of the team.
Related: Banchero Spills the Secrets Behind the Timberwolves’ Rise
Randle Is Comfortable In The Timberwolves Offense
When Randle feels comfortable within a system, he thrives. That is what happened with the New York Knicks, where he was a two-time All-NBA player, and he is growing every game with the Timberwolves.
This is huge for the team because they need a second option that can also create for others. Edwards will always be the top player, but he needs support whenever he needs to play off the ball or is resting.
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Randle can always isolate around the high-post area, but he also provides value in pick-and-roll plays as a ball-handler or even the roll man. He and Rudy Gobert have become a fantastic offensive frontcourt, as Julius always finds ways to get the ball to the Frenchman.
The former Kentucky Wildcat appeared on NBA TV after the Phoenix game and spoke to Wesley Matthews about his growth as an offensive player.
“I think it’s a little bit of everything. But the biggest thing for me is playing fast, making quick decisions, if I got it, go, if I don’t quick swing,” Randle said on NBA TV. “Just playing with pace and energy. Just getting the defense moving and trusting my instincts from there.”
Randle Is Confident In The Timberwolves’ Playoff Chances
Minnesota is still aiming for a shot at the sixth seed with only half a game standing between them and their two rivals, the Warriors and the Clippers.
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Their three-way race is probably the most heated in the league because the sixth seed is the difference between an automatic Playoff berth and a Play-In Tournament where anything is possible.
With how the Timberwolves have played in March, they could pull off the surprise and knock off both the Warriors and Clippers from the sixth and seventh seeds.
“I think when we defend how we defend tonight. Like Rudy is contesting everything, Jaden did a hell of a job against Book, Ant did a hell of a job against KD,” Randle continued. “When we defend like that, we give ourselves a chance to beat anybody. It just turns from getting stops as we play with pace on the offensive end.”
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That confidence should translate well across the team because they are a cohesive unit. The Timberwolves’ future is bright, especially if they can regain their form from the eight-game winning streak in early March.
Related: Finch Believes The Timberwolves Need To Improve Their Mentality
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