The Minnesota Timberwolves took full advantage of a Golden State Warriors team without Stephen Curry in the lineup. They looked ready to amp up the volume as Julius Randle put in a spectacular 24-point performance to even the series 1-1.
With Curry out, the Warriors lacked creativity and had no ideas to score a basket. They had some bursts of 6-0 runs but couldn’t connect well, and some players looked scared to score a basket.
The Warriors’ players’ lack of accountability cost them the game, as the Timberwolves used this advantage to perfection. Anthony Edwards had an injury scare, but he returned to the game and shrugged it off.
But the night belonged to Randle, who put in an efficient performance.
Julius Randle vs. Golden State Warriors: Game 2 Stats
| Minutes | Points | Rebounds | Assists | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32:54 | 24 | 7 | 11 | 10/17 | 1/4 |
Randle vs. Warriors: How Did Randle Perform in Game 2?
From the start, Randle looked set for a solid score. He shot 55% from the floor in the first half, knocking down 6/11 shots. Likewise, he got aggressive inside the paint and used the Timberwolves’ size advantage. The Warriors couldn’t contain him inside the paint, as Randle used his post-game arsenal.
Likewise, he drained a three-pointer from the top and looked set for a solid scoring night. The power forward used his size perfectly by backing down on players and showing his strength to score the easy basket.
Randle possesses the footwork of a ballerina for a big man and deceived his opponents by going one way or the other. In terms of rebounds, he had seven rebounds in the game, contributing to the Timberwolves’ 47 rebounds.
Julius Randle putting a bow on Game 2 for Minnesota 😤 pic.twitter.com/r2ZX7xfRfz
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 9, 2025
But another aspect of his play that stood out was his playmaking. Randle dished out 11 assists, passing the ball to the open man for easy looks. He improved his shooting by knocking 4/6, as most of his points came inside the paint.
With a +/- of 17, Randle contributed to both ends of the court. Hence, the Timberwolves emerged victorious in Game 2 and headed to San Francisco to take a lead.
Julius Randle vs. Warriors: Head-to-Head Career Stats
For years, Randle’s been an underrated player in the league. He is a streaky shooter, dominant inside the paint, and possesses an underrated passing ability. He showcased his worth in the playoff series against the Lakers.
The power forward averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in five games, showcasing his complete skill set to take home the victory.
Thus, after arriving with the Timberwolves, Randle formed a great partnership with Rudy Gobert, and the two big men dominated the game for the Timberwolves. He’s had effective nights on the floor against the Warriors.
In 23 games against the Warriors, Randle averaged 17.6 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. He’s as reliable as they come, and in Game 1, he finished with 18 points, three rebounds, and six assists.
Thus, if the Warriors can stop Randle, they can win the series. If not, the Timberwolves will also run riot with Edwards on the floor.
Randle’s last 10 games vs. the Warriors
- December 14, 2021 – 31 pts, 7 rebs, 3 asts
- February 10, 2022 – 28 pts, 16 rebs, 7 asts
- November 18, 2022 – 20 pts, 7 rebs, 2 asts
- December 20, 2022 – 15 pts, 12 rebs, 5 asts
- December 06, 2024 – 16 pts, 9 rebs, 4 asts
- December 08, 2024 – 14 pts, 11 rebs, 4 asts
- December 21, 2024 – 16 pts, 7 rebs, 6 asts
- January 15, 2025 – 17 pts, 6 rebs, 1 asts
- May 06, 2025 – 18 pts, 3 rebs, 6 asts
- May 08, 2025 – 24 pts, 7 rebs, 11 asts