Through 26 games, the Minnesota Timberwolves are 17-9; it's hard to say they've been disappointing. At the same time, after back-to-back conference finals runs, the Wolves haven't done enough (yet) to establish confidence that they could get back there again (or reach the next level), as currently constructed. In the Western Conference dominated by a 24-2 Oklahoma City Thunder squad, everyone might be playing for second place.
However, stranger things have happened, and at the moment, the Timberwolves don't look like the biggest challenger to OKC. In an exclusive interview with D.J. Siddiqi of The Escapist, Randle outlined the next step for Minnesota to reach another level.
“I just think consistency, maturity for us — we know we have all the talent in the world,” Randle told The Escapist in an exclusive interview. “We’re also a team that loves to play big games, but every game is not a big game. We’ve got to have the right habits and maturity and approach and professionalism every single game.”
Randle is spot on with his assessment of the Wolves. For a championship-winning team, consistency is truly key, and that's an area the Wolves have struggled with despite the team's immense talent.
Consistency will be massive for the Timberwolves
The Wolves have certainly had their high points this season, including a five-game win streak. Then again, that five-game win streak came off the heels of a three-game losing streak, which included two unfathomable late-game collapses, one to a 6-20 Sacramento Kings team. The Timberwolves' clutch time problems are a perfect example of their inconsistency — they can put together three awesome quarters before falling apart in the fourth quarter.
Minnesota's defense is maybe my favorite example of the team's consistency issue. Per Cleaning the Glass, in the first eight games of the season, the Wolves had the 26th-ranked defense. However, on the season overall, the Wolves rank ninth in defensive rating, and it's been a key part of their identity since trading for Rudy Gobert in 2022.
Even dating back to last season, the Wolves' inconsistency was a massive problem. They notably started off the season with a 17-17 record before finishing the year with a 17-4 record and, of course, making another conference finals run.
Last year's slow start was understandable given that they were integrating Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. This time around, that's not the case. While they've avoided a slow start, inconsistency has still hurt the team at times.
Luckily, though, Randle has been one of the team's most consistent and impactful players. He has been averaging 23.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and a team-leading 5.8 assists on 49.5/35.4/83.1 shooting splits. Randle's blend of shot creation and playmaking makes him an ideal co-star next to Anthony Edwards.
As the Wolves try to reach that next level, Randle continuing his stellar play and the team establishing more consistency will be essential.