It’s almost a punchline how easily the Minnesota Timberwolves can flip the switch when they want to.
From looking like an iso-heavy team in a deep hole at the beginning of the week to looking like the 2010s San Antonio Spurs moving the ball in the middle of the week, Wednesday night served as yet another reminder of how good this team can be when they decide that they want to be.
The intentional nature of playing with pace was apparent early on, as the Wolves hit the ground literally running with six of their first 23 points coming in transition.
It also never hurts when a hyper-active Jaden McDaniels making an appearance. Perhaps envisioning his impending vacation with Naz Reid over the All-Star break, the all-defensive wing was all over the floor. From blocking the Portland Trail Blazers’ lone All- Star Deni Avdija on one end to dunking on him on another, McDaniels made his presence known.
McDaniels much encapsulates the last few days for the Timberwolves. With just four shots in Sunday’s blowout loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, it was easy to see the “barometer for ball movement” tag he had been given for a long time and is growing out of. In such and iso-heavy game that ended catastrophically, coach Chris Finch spoke regrettably afterward on needing to make it more intentional to give both McDaniels and Donte DiVincenzo at least 10 shots each.
It certainly happened for the former on Wednesday. McDaniels activity paired well with his 15 first half points. He would go on to finish the game with 21 on an efficient 7-13 shooting.
A symptom of activity and pace, the Wolves finished the game with 25 transition points and more importantly, 39 points off of 25 forced Portland turnovers.
But the source of 41 of the Wolves’ 133 points was a motivated Julius Randle, a side of the power forward that’s waxed and waned during this season and really, most of his tenure in Minnesota. A low of his came on Sunday, and correlating with his team, a high on Wednesday before the break.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – FEBRUARY 11: Julius Randle #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates with teammate Anthony Edwards #5 in the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Target Center on February 11, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Trail Blazers 133-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) Getty Images
Julius Randle Has Something To Say
A lot had been weighing on Julius Randle over the last week.
Between his name circling around in trade rumors and not getting drawn for the All-Star game as even a fill-in, the weight of it all felt like a lot.
“We had a couple good chats this past week,” coach Chris Finch said after the game. “Everything that swirls around this time of year…I know he was disappointed that he wasn’t named an All-Star, and I think he took this game quite personally in that regard.”
Arguably the most important player in the Wolves offensive scheme, the team needs him to take more of these games personally. He sets the tone in so many ways. When he passes, it sets an example and the team has stretches like they have in the last two games with 62 combined assists.
When he decides to take more upon himself and iso into the offense, others follow suit to get their own. The result? Shaky your turn, my turn offense that can dig this team into holes that everyone saw both over the last week and during the recent five-game losing streak.
“Over the course of my career, I’ve learned to focus on the things I can control,” Randle said in the locker room, elaborating on external ailments that made him not himself. “I can control how I help my team win games…we got a great team here, we can compete at the highest level, and that’s where I choose to put my focus.”
Did he use it as motivation for his 41 point masterclass on Wednesday?
“Maybe,” he said with a grin.
But points aren’t always the answer. When Randle scores more than 30 points, the Wolves are 5-5. When he has five or more assists? They’re 20-11.
Sure, points are the measure of winning and losing games, but how those are opened up for the Wolves’ starting power forward through his playmaking and movement are even more important. Based on the approach over the last two games, everyone knows it too.
“Julius is a guy who plays with his heart on his sleeve,” Finch said, elaborating more on a player he’s fond of and has helped transform over the last season and a half. “He was not himself recently, but he’s so important for us in so many ways, and we just needed him to come back to the pack if you will.”
A windmill. dunk and a smile to cap off a 40 point night heading into the break? Not too bad of a sign for things to come for a player who will be paramount for the Wolves down the stretch.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 11: Julian Phillips #4 of the Minnesota Timberwolvesdunks the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on February 11, 2026 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) NBAE via Getty Images
1). Julian Phillips hasn’t played outside of garbage time, but I thought Chris Finch’s comments about him after the game were notable. Obviously, Phillips won’t be playing much of a role anytime soon, but Finch gushed about his range and ability to be a good defender.
“He’s really hard to screen…really long,” Finch said. “We obviously have Jaden who’s like that, but we don’t have a lot of other really long wing players.”
Again – not in the same class as Jaden, not in the same class as any of the starters currently. But I do think the tea leaves point towards Phillips being someone who really intrigues the front office and coaching staff. With a relatively cheap club option for next season, a developmental guy that they really want to get a look at.
2). Everyone speaks glowingly of Ayo Dosunmu, and it’s only been his third game on the job. Naz Reid spoke highly of his ability to ball handle and score, adding an additional element alongside him on the bench unit. Rudy Gobert coninues to speak highly of Dosunmu’s defensive effort and ability, and ease of being able to work together. Another double-digit scoring night on 62% shooting, Dosunmu is fitting in nicely, and will have more than a week to hang around the practice facility and get even more comfortable.
The All-Star break awaits.
A much-needed eight day break awaits the Timberwolves, with many of them getting ready to leave town.
When it’s all said and done, however, the home stand continues against a red-hot Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks on February 20.
Over his last five games, Flagg is averaging 28.6 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. Playing with force, he poses a challenge to a Wolves team that can tend to struggle with those matchups. Flagg was diagnosed with a foot sprain on Wednesday night, but is not expected to miss further time beyond the All-Star weekend.
Tipoff on February 20 is slated for 6:30 PM CST.