{"id":22551,"date":"2025-05-10T03:11:11","date_gmt":"2025-05-10T03:11:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/22551\/"},"modified":"2025-05-10T03:11:11","modified_gmt":"2025-05-10T03:11:11","slug":"julius-randle-following-in-kevin-garnett-footsteps-key-point-enables-timberwolves-success-after-knicks-and-lakers-spells","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/22551\/","title":{"rendered":"Julius Randle following in Kevin Garnett footsteps, key point enables Timberwolves success after Knicks and Lakers spells"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Julius Randle delivered a statement performance in Game 2 against the Golden State Warriors, powering the Minnesota Timberwolves to a commanding 117-93 victory that evened the series at 1-1.<\/p>\n

The power forward finished with 24 points and 11 assists, but his impact went beyond the box score as he etched his name in franchise history.<\/p>\n

Following KG\u2019s footsteps: Randle makes Wolves history<\/p>\n

Julius Randle<\/a> became the first Timberwolves player since Kevin Garnett<\/a> in 2004 to record a 20\/5\/10 game in the playoffs.<\/p>\n

The last time a Minnesota player achieved such a statistical feat was when Garnett posted 28 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists in the Western Conference Finals on May 27, 2004.<\/p>\n

This historic performance continues Randle\u2019s impressive run with Minnesota since joining the team in the blockbuster trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns<\/a> to the New York Knicks<\/a> before the season.<\/p>\n

And it sparks conversation on how Randle fits perfectly in Minnesota.<\/p>\n

\"PhotoPhoto by David Berding\/Getty Images\u2018A bully type of player\u2018 finally finds his perfect fit<\/p>\n

Lou Williams, Randle\u2019s former teammate with the Los Angeles Lakers<\/a>, believes the physical forward has finally found the ideal basketball environment.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re talking about Madison Square Garden, remember he started with the Lakers. You got to find the organization, the group of guys, the way you play and match it,\u201d Williams explained on the Run It Back Podcast.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a bully type of player, and you got to find the rhythm. And Minnesota is there for him. The New York Knicks, Lakers, they weren\u2019t Randle\u2019s style of basketball team,\u201d Williams continued.<\/p>\n

While Randle\u2019s season averages of 18.7 points, 4.7 assists, and 7.1 rebounds might not match his career-best numbers, his efficiency has reached new heights with the Timberwolves<\/a>.<\/p>\n

His effective field goal percentage climbed to 54.2% this season\u2014the highest mark in the last five years of his career\u2014suggesting that Minnesota\u2019s system has unlocked a more efficient version of the former All-Star.<\/p>\n

Kevin Garnett had the last 20 PTS-10 REB playoff game for the Timberwolves\u2026until Julius Randle showed up for Game 2 vs. the Warriors \ud83d\ude24<\/p>\n

“Knicks, Lakers, they weren’t Randle’s style of basketball team. In Minnesota, he got other pit bulls around him.” \u2013 @TeamLou23<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/ootrJQfFwz<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) May 9, 2025<\/a> <\/p>\n

View Tweet<\/p>\n

Pit bulls and power basketball: Why Minnesota works for Randle<\/p>\n

Minnesota\u2019s physical, aggressive style perfectly complements Randle\u2019s preference for dominating the paint and embracing contact.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow in Minnesota, he got a lot of pit bulls around him. He got other guys that like his style of play. <\/p>\n

\u201cSo, I think that\u2019s more important than anything. Opposed to the name in the front of the jersey, it\u2019s really the style of play,\u201d Williams observed.<\/p>\n

As the series shifts to Minnesota, Randle\u2019s newfound comfort with the Timberwolves could spell trouble for the Warriors, who must now contend with a rejuvenated star playing the best basketball of his career.\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b<\/p>\n<\/p>\n