The Minnesota Timberwolves’ crushing 30-point loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals could overshadow what was otherwise a thrilling 2024-25 campaign, writes Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic.
Reflecting on the defeat, Julius Randle expressed the emotional weight of the moment, saying, “Once that buzzer sounds and you’re just able to feel everything, it hurts. It hurts. So, really, that’s where I’m at right now. It’s almost like a grieving stage of the season and it hurts, really. But we’ll be back.”
Following a major offseason trade that sent five-time All-Star big man Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks, Minnesota acquired Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, a draft pick, and Keita Bates-Diop (who was later waived) in a three-team deal involving Charlotte.
Many doubted the Timberwolves’ ability to make another deep playoff run after losing Towns, but Randle rose to the occasion in the first two rounds.
He delivered standout performances, averaging 23.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game while also providing strong defense.
However, the Thunder series proved more challenging for Randle, as his production dipped to 17.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves’ center, Rudy Gobert, struggled offensively against Oklahoma City, culminating in a notably poor Game 5 where he was held to just two points in 19 minutes.
Timberwolves Notes: Offseason, Game 5, Conley, Edwards, Free Agents https://t.co/TnGWJhCl3m pic.twitter.com/0oZGJzgrOZ
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) May 30, 2025
