Chris Finch gives a “pretty serious” Julius Randle update
Julius Randle had a tough game against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Minnesota Timberwolves the veteran forward had an uncharacteristically quiet game on Sunday night. He had 18 points in the game, but was noticeably quiet throughout. He scored 15 points and, more worryingly, only had three boards and three assists.
For a player who functions as a center of attack and a key defender, that is an unacceptable display. Timberwolves coach Chris Finch has an explanation for Randle’s play he was so free today.
“Finch said Julius Randle was ‘under the weather, pretty seriously’ tonight,” reported Jon Krawczynski on KS. “Just 3 boards and 3 assists from him.”
Randle was -20 in 31 minutes against the 76ers and made just one of five three-point attempts. The former All-Star was mostly ineffective for the Timberwolves in the game as they struggled to gain momentum. Minnesota lost to Philadelphia 135-108 despite Joel Embiid missing the game for the 76ers and 28 points from guard Anthony Edwards.
The Timberwolves also played without key players. Stars center Rudy Gobert was out against the 76ers with a suspension after picking up his seventh flagrant foul a few days earlier. Meanwhile, Sixth Man of the Year candidate Naz Reid was also sidelined with injury. Philadelphia’s physicality bothered the Wolves, who were held short to 21 turnovers, with Randle having two, while Edwards had seven.
“They were physical, they’re good defensively, they’re super skilful, they’re active in the gaps,” Finch said. “We were in the game. We got into traffic, we didn’t get off the ball early enough. All the things that happen when you play in a huddle.”
The Wolves now have a 35-23 record. Despite the loss, losses to the rest of the contenders in the Western Conference meant the Timberwolves still sit within striking distance of the third seed and still in control of the sixth seed in the conference.
2026-02-23 16:41:00
