The Minnesota Timberwolves are heading to the Western Conference Finals, and they have Julius Randle to thank for delivering his most dominant performance yet in Game 5.
In a win-or-go-home atmosphere, with the pressure of closing out the series, Randle played like a man on a mission. He erupted for 34 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists, powering the Timberwolves to a 112–101 win and punching their ticket to the franchise’s first Conference Finals appearance in two decades.
From the opening tip, Randle set the tone. Attacking mismatches, bullying defenders in the paint, and knocking down shots from midrange and beyond the arc, he was simply unstoppable. Whenever the opposing defense tried to adjust, Randle responded with even more aggression—posting up, spinning through double-teams, and dishing out to open shooters with poise and vision.
“I just wanted to come out aggressive,” Randle said after the game. “We knew what was at stake, and I wanted to lead by example. This team has worked all year for this moment, and I wasn’t going to let it slip.”
While Anthony Edwards has rightfully received much of the spotlight throughout Minnesota’s playoff run, Randle reminded everyone exactly why the Timberwolves pursued him. Acquired in a bold midseason move, Randle brought playoff experience, toughness, and a scoring punch that the Wolves needed to complement their rising young star.
On Wednesday night, he delivered all of that and more.
His physical presence opened up the floor for Minnesota’s shooters and helped keep their offensive rhythm steady throughout. Every time the opposing team made a push—cutting the lead to single digits or forcing tough possessions—Randle responded with a bucket or a key play to settle the team.
It wasn’t just the offense, either. Randle locked in defensively, battling on the boards and switching onto perimeter players when needed. His hustle plays—diving for loose balls, contesting shots late in the clock—fired up both his teammates and the crowd.
With Karl-Anthony Towns dealing with early foul trouble and Edwards having an off shooting night, it was Randle who shouldered the load and kept the Timberwolves in control from start to finish.
The win sends Minnesota to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2004. What’s different this time? This Wolves team is deeper, more balanced, and fully locked in defensively. With Edwards emerging as a star and Randle adding veteran grit and scoring, Minnesota suddenly looks like a legitimate title contender.
Head coach Chris Finch praised Randle postgame: “Julius was incredible tonight. That’s the kind of performance that lifts your whole team. He played with fire, with purpose, and gave us exactly what we needed.”
Now, the Timberwolves await their next challenge—but if Randle keeps playing like this, they’ll be a problem for anyone.
