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<\/a><\/p>\nMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – MARCH 03: Julius Randle #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots the ball against Rayan Rupert #32 of the Memphis Grizzlies in the third quarter at Target Center on March 03, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Grizzlies 117-110. 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<\/p>\n
A Diversion From What You\u2019re Used To<\/p>\n
\u201cWe played like ass today,\u201d a serious Anthony Edwards said, standing next to his locker after the game. \u201cBut we can\u2019t complain about wins.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both can be true. From a pure field goal perspective and turnovers in transition, sure, the first part of that could be sound. But the biggest issue with the Wolves game after game against teams like Memphis is the lack of hustle and true ball containment.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were better on the ball [in the second half],\u201d Head Coach Chris Finch said. \u201cWe were tighter on switches\u2026first half we were pretty loose.\u201d<\/p>\n
A tale of two halves, and it culminated with an Anthony Edwards masterclass sequence to largely cap things off at the end of the game.<\/p>\n
Many of the bugaboos that plague this team from an effort perspective often run downhill. When things are lackadaisical, you can often point to Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle. When they turn around, the opposite is often the case.<\/p>\n
Randle posted just 6 points on 2-6 shooting in the first half with a team low of -9. He\u2019d go on to score 17 in the second half and bookend it with a +10.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnother really good all-around game\u2026he did an outstanding job playing with force,\u201d Finch added. \u201cHe was really instrumental in that third quarter for us in finding a rhythm.\u201d<\/p>\n
An important piece coming out of the first half down five points in what could have very well been 20 had Memphis not been as overmatched from a talent perspective as they were. Randle flipping the switch not only signifies that he can do just that, but also be able to adapt to the game as it goes in front of him.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s part of what can make him so frustrating to fans watching and sounding off on every social platform they have access to. His impact and ability to take games over are obvious, but how often does he want to make that impact?<\/p>\n
Edwards speaks for himself. While his hunt for 40 points made a Timberwolves 17-point lead disappear towards the end of the game, shots will always fly from his direction. As long as they go in, he stays relatively engaged and gives you selective defense when it matters; it just highlights the variable nature that this team possesses, and it runs downhill.<\/p>\n
On Tuesday, they bucked the trend.<\/p>\n