Julius Randle is running into some offensive consistency issues, and it could cost Anthony Edwards his chance at a Finals run. The Minnesota Timberwolves lost to the Orlando Magic on Saturday night, and Edwards had no offensive support. Randle, who’s supposed to be the second option, put up a dud, and Minnesota ended the game with just 92 points.
Randle put up just 14 points while shooting 6-of-14 from the field and 0-of-1 from deep range. He had nine rebounds but dished out only one assist. And though the Wolves were red-hot heading into the game, Randle’s offense wasn’t exactly leading their surge. In fact, it could be a problem come playoff time.
And that’s not a problem Edwards and the Wolves can afford.
Julius Randle's offensive inconsistency could hurt Anthony Edwards' chance at title
Throughout the course of his career, Randle hasn’t exactly been the most consistent offensive player. He’ll chuck up questionable shots, take on iso possessions that seem out of rhythm, and go through stretches of rough shooting.
During the Wolves’ playoff run to the Western Conference finals last year, Randle was great. He shot the ball well from the field and from three-point range, giving Edwards some great support on the offensive end.
But that hasn’t always been his M.O. in the playoffs. When he was with the New York Knicks, he struggled mightily in the playoffs, and they never made it past the second round with him.
Now, over the Wolves’ last stretch of games, Randle’s inefficiency woes have popped up again, and their 92-point performance against the Magic on Saturday was emblematic of what could be to come if he doesn’t turn it around.
Edwards put up 34 points in the loss. He scored over a third of the Timberwolves’ points. But Randle wasn’t there to back him up.
Obviously, the Wolves have other players who should be contributing on the offensive end. Jalen McDaniels shot a whopping 0-of-9 against the Magic. Ayo Dosunmu shot 1-of-6 off the bench. Donte DiVincenzo went 0-of-6.
But Randle is supposed to be Edwards’ second in command. At least, that’s what the stats would tell you.
He needs to be there on the offensive end, yet it looks like the ghosts of his offensive past could be catching up to him, which isn’t ideal, especially with the playoffs right around the corner.
Randle has pieced together a relatively efficient season (though his three-point shooting has been off). But if he can’t continue that in the playoffs, Edwards’ hopes of another Conference Finals run (or further) could be in jeopardy.