Julius Randle hit the go-ahead jumper with 8.8 seconds left in overtime, capping a 15-0 run that lifted the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 110-108 victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday at Target Center. Minnesota erased a 13-point deficit in OT, the largest comeback since 1997.
“That’s winning time and you got to dig deep,” Randle said. “That’s what all the extra reps and physically you prepare your body for those moments. You just got to take it a possession at a time.”
Randle scored all 24 of his points after halftime, showing poise despite the Wolves losing Jaden McDaniels to a leg injury. “We got real competitors in here, guys who are up for the moment, want the challenge. Whether we lose five in a row or have a game like tonight, we always tend in tough moments to band together,” he explained.
The veteran forward highlighted the team’s connection. “We know we need each other. These guys are my brothers. I go to war for them every single night,” Randle said. He also praised Bones Hyland for his role in recent wins. “I told him, ‘Bro, you’re going to win us some games,’ and what did he do in Boston? He won us a game.”
Randle acknowledged the importance of Rudy Gobert’s leadership on the court. “Rudy was great. He got us into certain sets at the end of the game like another point guard out there. Making plays on both ends,” Randle said.
The forward reflected on the toughness of the win. “It was tough for sure. But when it gets tough, we really come together as a group, and what we did tonight doesn’t surprise me,” he said.
Minnesota played without Anthony Edwards, and by the end, Rudy Gobert fouled out while Naz Reid was ejected. Despite these absences, the Timberwolves maintained composure. “We all hold each other accountable. Play for one another and want the best for everyone. That’s who we are as a group,” Randle said.
Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun each scored 30 points for the Rockets, who trailed by 11 points with 3½ minutes left in the fourth before a 12-0 run. Durant passed Dirk Nowitzki for eighth place on the NBA’s career regular season baskets list with 11,177.
With the victory, Minnesota improved to 45-28, staying a half-game behind fourth-place Denver in the Western Conference. Houston fell to 43-29.
