The slumping Minnesota Timberwolves are fighting to avoid the Western Conference Play-In Tournament. Head coach Chris Finch wants his players to raise their intensity and play with greater urgency. Three-time All-Star Julius Randle was a source of frustration for Finch after the Timberwolves fell short in their recent game against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Chris Finch Demands More Defensive Effort from Julius Randle
Speaking to the media after the game, Finch expressed frustration with Randle’s effort. Finch said, “Julius has 3 defensive rebounds. That’s not good enough. Not good enough.”
Chris Finch CALLED OUT Julius Randle’s effort:
“Julius has 3 defensive rebounds, that’s not good enough. Just not good enough.”
pic.twitter.com/kzzFfB3909— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) March 21, 2026
Randle had a rough shooting night in the Timberwolves’ 108-104 home loss to the Trail Blazers, going 6-for-16 from the field. Finch, however, was more upset with Randle’s lack of effort on the glass, as he finished with only 3 defensive rebounds.
It marked his second consecutive poor rebounding performance, following a game against the Utah Jazz in which he recorded just 1 defensive rebound despite Minnesota’s 147-111 win. Finch made clear he wants Randle to match his offensive output with greater defensive commitment.
Randle is having another strong offensive season, averaging 21.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game while shooting 48.4% from the field. Since February, however, Randle has averaged 18.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 21 games, shooting just 25.0%Â from 3-point range.
Amid Randle’s efficiency struggles, Finch appears more concerned about the forward’s career-low rebounding rate. Some of that stems from playing alongside four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert, one of the league’s top rebounders.
Still, Randle is playing for his fourth team despite being a multi-time All-Star, and he has never been recognized as a quality defensive player. He seeks recognition as one of the NBA’s most versatile offensive bigs, valued for his playmaking and ability to make difficult shots. Gobert’s presence often compensates for Randle’s defensive shortcomings.
Finch’s public call-out should serve as motivation for Randle to lock in defensively, especially with challenging games ahead. The Timberwolves’ next three opponents are the Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, and Detroit Pistons. Poor play in those contests could tighten the standings further.
Although the Timberwolves have clinched a playoff spot, Finch knows their margin for error is slim. He needs his top players, including Randle, to give maximum effort. Otherwise, the offseason could bring difficult questions about whether it is time to reshape the roster around Anthony Edwards.
