Julius Randle played a key role in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 117-110 win over the Golden State Warriors in Game 4 of their Western Conference Semifinals series. The win gave Minnesota a 3-1 series lead, putting them one game away from the Western Conference Finals.
Randle, who scored 31 points on 11-of-21 shooting, was asked about his early aggression in the game. “Super important,” Randle said. “When we get off to good starts, it sets the tone for the game.” His strong performance helped Minnesota maintain control early while teammates found their rhythm.
The Warriors’ defense had been tough throughout the series, but Randle pointed to defense as the turning point in the third quarter. “We held them to 17 points in the third quarter. That’s really what allowed us to get some easy looks,” he explained. Anthony Edwards also helped propel the team with a 17-0 run during that period.
Randle’s resilience has been evident, especially after battling injuries earlier in the season. He shared how past struggles have shaped his mindset. “I’ve battled through a lot in my career,” he said, referencing past injuries and the lessons he learned from his mentor, Kobe Bryant. “It’s part of who I am.”
The Timberwolves’ defense was a crucial factor in the victory. Randle emphasized that the team was committed to improving their defense at halftime. “We knew we had to turn it up a notch,” he said. “We weren’t executing the game plan, and we needed to pick up the effort.” Minnesota responded with aggressive defense and outscored Golden State 39-17 in the third quarter.
In addition to his own strong play, Randle expressed admiration for his teammates, particularly Edwards. “Ant’s the brightest star in the room,” he said. “He’s special, and he has a chance to be as great as he wants to be. We’re only going to go as far as he takes us.”
Randle also praised Mike Conley’s leadership. “His presence is unbelievable,” he said. “His ability to communicate with everyone and bring out the best in us has been something I’ve really learned from.”
As the Timberwolves look ahead to Game 5, Randle is focused on finishing the job. “We’ve got to take advantage of these moments,” he stated. The team will have a chance to close out the series on their home court Wednesday night.
