Julius Randle is in the midst of the best playoff run of his career. He is averaging 22.8 points, 6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists on 50.3/37.5/88.7 shooting splits. However, the Western Conference Finals have been up and down for Randle so far. In Game 1, he poured in 28 points, eight rebounds, and five threes. Randle followed this stellar performance up with just six points on 2-11 shooting, five rebounds, five assists, and four turnovers in Game 2. As the Timberwolves attempt to fight back from down 0-2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Randle may hold the keys to their chances.
Randle's scoring abilities are crucial
Randle's scoring and shot-creation abilities are vital as the Timberwolves' second option. Notably, the Timberwolves have struggled offensively as a team, posting just a 99 offensive rating through two games against OKC. If Randle, along with others, can provide consistent scoring, that number would certainly change. Randle's scoring is crucial given how Naz Reid and Rudy Gobert have struggled this series. He has been excellent and consistent for most of this postseason, which will have to continue for the Timberwolves to stand a chance in this series.
In Game 1, Randle kept the offense afloat, especially in the first half when Anthony Edwards and Co. struggled mightily. However, in Game 2, Edwards played at an elite level, pouring in 32 points. While Jaden McDaniels (22 points) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (17 points) stepped up, Randle was nowhere to be found. This led to Randle being benched for the entire fourth quarter. Randle must not let one bad performance define him. What version of Randle the Timberwolves get undoubtedly will change the rest of the series.
Randle's 3-point shooting will be a vital part of his impact. For the playoffs, he is averaging 37.5 percent from beyond the arc and has been one of Minnesota's best shooters. In the first half of Game 1, Randle netted five 3s, and the Wolves held a four-point advantage heading into halftime.
However, he is 0-3 from beyond the arc for the rest of the series. As a team, the T-Wolves are shooting just 28.9 percent on 45 3s per game this series. Having one of their best shooters step up could change the series for Minnesota. Additionally, when Randle is hitting his 3s, it opens up the game for Edwards as a driver. Overall, Randle's shooting and scoring changes the Timberwolves' series outlook in several ways.
Randle's impact as a playmaker and defender
Another aspect of Randle's game that will be key is taking care of the ball. Randle has had nine turnovers in this series, which includes multiple bad reads. The Timberwolves count on him as a secondary playmaker at times, and for most of the playoffs, he's thrived in this role. As a result, it's imperative that he takes care of the ball.
In the last two games, the Wolves are averaging 16.5 turnovers, which has been a key reason they are down 0-2, and Randle's decision-making has contributed to this. OKC has scored 53 points off these turnovers. If Randle and others can take care of the ball better, the Timberwolves have a chance to pull off a comeback.
Randle is a physical and versatile defender. Nevertheless, he's had lapses throughout his career, including in this series so far. Chet Holmgren is shooting 75 percent when guarded by Randle, and Jalen Williams is shooting 66.7 against him. Randle must do a better job of containing his matchups. Ultimately, Randle's scoring, defense, and decision-making will be key factors in the Timberwolves' chances to win or at least extend the series.