Donte DiVincenzo suffered a season-ending torn Achilles injury, and Anthony Edwards suffered a multi-week knee injury, which put an immense amount of sadness over the Minnesota Timberwolves' Game 4 win. The entire NBA world is wishing these two players a speedy and safe recovery.
Without two key starters (including their superstar), many Timberwolves players will have to step up to fill the void, and Julius Randle is a clear step-up candidate.
Led by a heroic 43-point performance by Ayo Dosunmu, the Wolves showed incredible composure and heart after DiVincenzo and Edwards left the game with injuries. Randle's physical defense continues to be a positive regarding his impact. Nonetheless, his offensive output left much to be desired on Saturday, as he scored 15 points on 6-for-16 shooting.
I'm not here to bash -- Randle playing a game after two of your teammates exit the game with injuries is a difficult task. However, it's clear the Wolves will need more offensive production from Randle to maximize their chances of closing out this series and ultimately making another deep playoff run.
The Timberwolves are counting on Randle to provide consistent production
Outside of a stellar Game 2, where Randle notched 24 points, six assists, and nine rebounds, his offensive impact has been underwhelming. In the playoffs, he is averaging just 17.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists on 42.6/18.2/72.7 shooting splits.
Without Edwards, Randle will be tasked with more scoring and on-ball responsibilities. I don't want to say they need him to be a high-end first option, because Dosunmu and Jaden McDaniels have proven that they can provide a high level of scoring production.
Still, there's no denying the Wolves need more consistent and efficient production out of Randle. Beyond his scoring, the Wolves will need Randle's playmaking.
In the wake of Edwards' injury, I would expect the Nuggets to throw more doubles at Randle, and he must find the open man on these plays. Doing so without his two best shooters is easier said than done, though. I would also expect the Wolves to utilize Randle more as a playmaking hub. This strategy could make the process of playmaking easier for Randle and ensure that the offense has fluid ball movement.
Randle being used as a playmaker more often while providing more consistent production as a scorer requires both an individual and stylistic shift.
Given that the Wolves are up 3-1, how stellar their defense has been, and how weak Denver's defense is, I feel confident saying that Minnesota will be able to pick up one more win. Without a doubt, though, the Wolves will need quality production from Randle as both a scorer and playmaker to maximize their chances of closing out this series.
If the Wolves can get past the Nuggets, consistent play from Randle in a possible second-round series against the San Antonio Spurs will be absolutely essential.
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