The Minnesota Timberwolves just stole Game 1 of their series against the San Antonio Spurs, and Julius Randle led the charge (for most of the game). And in the process, he gave Anthony Edwards exactly what he needed: More time to continue recovering from his hyperextended knee.
Despite returning to action for Game 1 after missing Games 5 and 6 against the Denver Nuggets, Edwards was still on a minutes restriction of around 25 minutes. And if the Wolves want to make a legitimate title run, they need Edwards at full health. So, Randle’s Game 1 performance gave Minnesota a little bit more wiggle room to help Edwards get back to full strength.
They now have at least one extra game to spare.
Randle was the go-to guy the Wolves needed at times on Monday night. In a game when Edwards wasn’t fully available, and the Wolves were down a few important bodies, Randle stepped up.
Donte DiVincenzo will be out for the rest of the playoffs. Ayo Dosunmu is still sidelined with an injury, too. Those are two players who have stepped up in the scoring column when the Wolves needed them.
But without them, and with the Wolves clearly trying to save Edwards’ minutes for the fourth quarter, Randle had to step into the spotlight a bit more than usual in Game 1 in San Antonio.
Minnesota went to him in a few isolation spots, trusting him to get a bucket when they needed it. They needed Randle to give them some tough points, and he delivered.
In Game 1, Randle ended the night with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists while shooting 8-of-20 from the floor and 2-of-6 from beyond the three-point line.
On top of that, Randle gave the Wolves nine points in the fourth quarter alone, shooting 3-of-5 from the field and 1-of-1 from deep range.
Randle did turn the ball over five times. He wasn’t the most efficient scorer. But sometimes, in the playoffs, those things don’t matter quite as much. Buckets are what matter. Putting the ball in the hoop.
And though it wasn’t always pretty, Randle’s points were crucial for the Wolves in Game 1. He was a huge reason they were able to walk away with a victory.
Now, Edwards’ return to full health has one fewer game to worry about, and the Wolves may have a bit more leeway to ease him back into things as much as possible without having to worry about the pressure of being down in the series.
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