Julius Randle acknowledged the Timberwolves’ offensive difficulties following a 116–110 home defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday.
“We missed a bunch of shots. We got some open looks and I think the open looks we did miss… just start second guessing and force some things that weren’t there rather than just sticking with it,” Randle said.
The veteran forward admitted the team struggled to maintain rhythm after early misses. “I think it was just the effect of missing good looks and then trying to create something that wasn’t there, and we just kind of got in a bad rhythm from there,” he explained.
Randle also addressed how physical defenses impacted Minnesota’s usual ball movement. “They had Jaren a bunch one-on-one… a big thing for me is next-action basketball, just getting involved in actions. I felt like we just wouldn’t move much,” Randle said, adding, “I got to be better, and I will be.”
On adjusting his approach when shots weren’t falling, Randle said he aimed to attack the basket more aggressively. “I was trying to get down the hill, get to the free-throw line… take what the game gives you and keep making the right play,” he noted.
He emphasized the cumulative effect of consecutive poor possessions. “It’s not really just one bad possession here and there. It’s the two, three, four in a row where you’ve got a five-point lead or a six-point lead that now you’re down two or down four,” Randle explained.
Regarding Memphis missing key players, Randle downplayed any sense of advantage. “I don’t think we came out with the mindset of, ‘They’re missing guys, it can be easy,’” he said, highlighting the competitive nature of the Western Conference.
Despite Randle’s 21 points and five rebounds, Minnesota fell to 17–10. Donte DiVincenzo added 19 points and 11 boards, while Rudy Gobert posted a double-double with 16 points and 16 rebounds. Naz Reid contributed 16 points, but the team struggled to capitalize on open shots.
Memphis overcame the absence of Ja Morant with a balanced attack, led by Jaren Jackson Jr.’s 28 points and 12 rebounds and Jock Landale’s 20-point, 10-rebound performance. Key late-game free throws and a floater by Jackson with 47 seconds remaining sealed the road win for the Grizzlies, who improved to 13–14.
Minnesota will return home to face Oklahoma City on Friday, with Randle and the Timberwolves looking to regain their offensive flow after a challenging, physical matchup against Memphis.
