Julius Randle didn’t shy away from the Timberwolves’ Game 2 struggles Thursday night, especially the third-quarter breakdown that helped the Thunder take a commanding 2-0 lead in the Western Conference Finals.
After the 118-103 loss in Oklahoma City, Randle told reporters, “I got to look at the film… I felt like we turned it over too much,” when asked about the game slipping away after halftime.
Minnesota was outscored 35-21 in the third, a trend that has persisted against the Thunder all season.
Randle acknowledged the pattern, saying, “It just seems typically every time we play them this year, that’s usually when they turn up their pressure.”
The veteran forward had a quiet night, scoring just six points on 2-of-11 shooting while committing four turnovers.
He said his offensive rhythm suffered from too much standing around, admitting, “I got to get myself into actions, get myself on the move.”
The Thunder’s swarming defense, led by All-Defensive selections Lu Dort and Jalen Williams, again proved disruptive, forcing 14 Minnesota turnovers in the game.
“They’re extremely physical on that end… it’s a different kind of physicality,” Randle noted, citing OKC’s aggressive ball pressure and active hands.
When asked about a sideline exchange with Dort, Randle dismissed it: “I don’t even really remember what you’re talking about… but it’s fine, man. I’ll accept the challenge.”
Despite the loss, Randle emphasized a forward-looking mentality ahead of Game 3.
“The good thing is we get to go home and we get another opportunity,” he said, referencing Saturday’s matchup at Target Center, where the Timberwolves are 4-1 in the postseason.
Though Randle wasn’t certain about specific defensive adjustments, he expressed confidence in Minnesota’s preparation, saying, “I’m sure coach will adjust… we’ll figure it out.”
He also credited Anthony Edwards, who scored 32 points despite a rough night from deep, saying, “He was able to really get in rhythm, attack the paint a little bit more, and get downhill.”
Randle concluded by stressing execution: “We know what the game plan is… we just got to execute it at a higher rate and for a full 48 minutes.”
Game 3 tips off Saturday night in Minneapolis, with Minnesota aiming to avoid a 3-0 series deficit—a margin no team in NBA history has ever overcome.
