Crucial Julius Randle question will make or break the Wolves' championship chances

The Portland Trail Blazers did not have an answer for Julius Randle on Wednesday. During the last game of their schedule prior to the All-Star break, Randle finished with a season-high 41 points.

Minnesota’s win gives them a 34-22 record at the break, fifth-best in the Western Conference. Perhaps more so than anyone else on the team, the Wolves’ title chances are contingent on what version of Randle they see more often for the rest of the year.

Randle posts season-high scoring total on Wednesday

Not only did Randle have a season-best 41 points on Wednesday, but that is also the most that he has scored in a Timberwolves uniform. It came in an efficient manner as well for the 31-year-old as he finished 14-24 from the field, 3-7 from beyond the arc, and 10-11 from the foul line.

It has been nearly a full year since Julius has even missed a game. The three-time All-Star has appeared in all 56 contests this season, and last sat out of action on February 28, 2025. 

We know Anthony Edwards is going to be able to get his fair share of points on most game nights. Having that consistent second option, though, can take some of the defensive focus away from Edwards, and that is what is needed from Randle. That has occurred more often this season in Randle’s second year with the team after a slow start to begin 2024-25.  

We also know that Randle needs to remain engaged on the defensive side in order for the Wolves to reach their ceiling. Too often, we have seen the power forward have lapses on that end without giving full effort. That’s the narrative on Julius since his days with the New York Knicks, and it’s one he hasn’t quite shed free of yet.

Changed postseason narrative last year

Another narrative that surrounded Randle was his porous play in the postseason. Prior to last season, the 12-year veteran had appeared in just two different playoffs, both with the Knicks. In those 15 playoff outings, Julius shot just 34.4 percent from the field and 28.3 percent from 3-point distance.

That was a narrative that Randle was mostly able to shed last year. Both series against the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors in 2025 saw him make much more of an impact than in his previous postseasons. In the conference finals, Julius was held more in check by the stellar defense of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Two strong playoff series are still two more than he had in his career before last year. The Timberwolves likely need Randle to exceed that number and give a more consistent effort on the defensive end if they want to see the franchise win their first championship.