Julius Randle played a central role in Minnesota’s Game 2 win over Golden State, but the forward credited team-wide rhythm and execution for the 117-93 result.
Speaking postgame, Randle explained how film study between games helped him shift his approach from overpassing in the series opener to striking a better scoring-playmaking balance.
“I felt like sometimes last game I might have overpassed when I got to my spots,” Randle said. “So I tried to have a little bit of balance for both.”
He finished with 24 points and 11 assists, including 10 dimes before the fourth quarter began, highlighting his focus on simplifying reads while trusting teammates to finish.
Randle emphasized that the team’s improved shot-making was a key factor: “Our team — everybody knocked down shots. They were in the right place like they were last game. We just made shots.”
When asked about facing a deep Warriors rotation, Randle pointed to Steve Kerr’s long-standing approach of using his full bench.
“It’s rare,” he said of seeing so many players used in a playoff setting. “But it’s also Steve Kerr. He’s kind of done that all year.”
Randle rejected the idea that Minnesota came into Game 1 overconfident, instead citing rust as the main issue after their previous series win over the Lakers.
“This is not the team to be overconfident versus,” he said. “They have championship DNA.”
Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s 20-point night also drew praise from Randle, who highlighted the guard’s preparation habits and importance to the team.
“He’s the first one in the gym every single day,” Randle said. “It’s only a matter of time before things turn around.”
Randle also reflected on his matchup with Draymond Green, saying the focus remains on execution rather than engaging in gamesmanship.
“I’ve never really experienced any of that with him — always a mutual respect between us,” he noted.
The 30-year-old said the message from head coach Chris Finch after Game 1 was direct, and he welcomed the challenge.
“Finch — personally for myself — he can coach me hard,” Randle said. “He challenged me multiple times on things that he saw from an effort standpoint.”
He admitted to being frustrated after committing turnovers early in the second half, but said he tried to redirect that emotion into positive play.
“When I came back in, just channel that energy in a good way, in a positive way for our team,” Randle said.
Off the court, Randle acknowledged Cowboys legend Michael Irvin in the crowd and described their longstanding relationship dating back to his teenage years in Dallas.
“That’s like family,” Randle said. “For him to come to Minnesota and come to a game — that’s a pretty cool thing.”
He also praised veteran point guard Mike Conley’s leadership and energy, saying his presence helps keep the team focused during tense moments.
“Mike — it might not necessarily show all the time in numbers… but who he is for our team as far as a veteran — those guys are huge for us,” Randle said.
Minnesota heads into Game 3 tied 1-1 in the series, with the next matchup set for Saturday night in San Francisco.
