Prior to joining the Timberwolves, Julius Randle spent five seasons as a member of the Knicks. During that time, he was named the 2020-21 Most Improved Player while making three All-Star and two All-NBA teams. New York made the playoffs in three of its five years with Randle.
Despite the accolades, production, and some team success, Randle was a polarizing figure for the fanbase during his Knicks tenure. While there’s no such thing as a perfect player, Randle’s flaws could become more pronounced at times, which would frustrate some New York fans. Those flaws have been witnessed during the last two games, where Minnesota collapsed in both of them.
Randle's untimely turnovers in two blown losses
These last two games have been pure torture for Timberwolves fans. On Friday, they blew an eight-point lead with less than a minute left to the Suns as Phoenix scored the final nine points. Then on Monday, Minnesota lost to the Kings in overtime, a game where they held a 10-point lead with less than 3 minutes remaining.
In both of those end-of-game collapses, the best version of Randle wasn’t seen. Against Phoenix, he dribbled into a double team and was stripped with 25 seconds left. The Suns quickly scored to cut their deficit to 1. After that basket, the inbounds pass went to Randle. He was double-teamed, and his pass to Donte DiVincenzo was tipped, leading to another turnover. Randle took the final (difficult) shot as well from a couple of feet behind the arc, but came up well short.
If you didn't get the ball back to Luka you'd be traded by mid night. Julius Randle gotta put his ego aside and get the ball back to Edwards. pic.twitter.com/uoaEDFxuOh
— Per Sources (@PerSources) November 22, 2025
In the five-minute overtime against Sacramento, Randle turned the ball over to start the extra period, and towards the end as well. With 19.2 seconds to go and the Timberwolves down four, Randle’s inbounds pass to Anthony Edwards was stolen by Precious Achiuwa.
Precious Achiuwa with the dagger steal off Julius Randle, Kings top Timberwolves in overtime 🗡️ pic.twitter.com/6kRJzXHKiE
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) November 25, 2025
While it has mostly been a strong showing for Randle this season, in the last two outings, he has 10 turnovers compared to seven assists.
Randle wasn't beloved by whole Knicks fanbase
As productive as Randle was with the Knicks, some fans grew tired of his turnovers, particularly in important moments. His detractors even gave him the moniker of ‘No-Handle Randle’.
In four of his five years with New York, the 6-foot-9 power forward averaged at least three turnovers per game. Thus far this season, Randle has averaged 2.7. Likewise, he averaged 2.8 in his first year with Minnesota in 2023-24.
Overall, it’s been a very good season for Randle. Unfortunately, the late-game woes from the last two games brought back some memories for those Knicks fans who weren’t always fond of him.