The Minnesota Timberwolves have found a new companion this season—disappointment. They’ve lost 6 of their last 10 games. Their recent defeat against the Houston Rockets on Tuesday was surely something Wolves HC Chris Finch wasn’t waiting for. He expressed all his frustration in the post-game presser. Of course, the 55-year-old isn’t happy with the team’s perilous situation. Sitting 11th in the West, Julius Randle & Co. must fix issues quickly to recover.
There seems to be a lack of coordination among the TWolves on the court. This is one of the many reasons why they’re failing to produce the results the fans are waiting to see. In reality, even Coach Finch admits to the fact that Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle often go for solo runs in the games. There have been instances of success, but the rate of unpredictability is much higher in this case. Finch addressed the matter: “I thought we were a bit too frantic into the game…Guys were just kind of breaking it off and going when they thought they had an opportunity.”
Meanwhile, the players playing ‘solo’ isn’t the only concern breathing on Chris Finch‘s shoulders. The fact that Julius Randle’s rebounds are on a decline should be a greater worry for the head coach. In the post-game presser, the reporters asked the ringmaster about his thoughts on Randle’s receding rebound numbers. “What do you think of what you’re getting from him on that end of the court?” they asked.
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Chris Finch responded: “I think on the ball he’s [Julius Randle] been good. Off the ball, he’s been kind of inconsistent like everything else that we do right now. His rebounding numbers have been down like you know both he and us are kind of wondering why that is the case.” In Tuesday’s game, Julius Randle had only 6 rebounds whereas Antman had 10. Well, it is indeed concerning for the team, because the 29-year-old center has more potential than what he’s unleashing for Minnesota.
Moreover, this jab comes days after Julius Randle openly criticized the Timberwolves’ lack of professionalism. It looks like they need to start thinking and functioning like a serious basketball team in the NBA.
Julius Randle spews out frustration over the TWolves’ losing their professional edge in the games
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Their last meeting with the Toronto Raptors ended in a disaster. Not because they lost the game, but because of the drama that unfolded on the court. Tied 95-95 with five minutes left, Rudy Gobert posted up Scottie Barnes, wide open in the paint. Julius Randle hesitated to pass, leaving Gobert stranded. Frustrated, the Frenchman walked out, triggering a three-second violation. Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards stormed over, delivering a fiery monologue.
Post-game, Randle in the locker room stated: “We gotta look ourself in the mirror and decide what type of team we wanna be on a consistent basis. We’ve had great games, we’ve had not great games. Myself included. I have to look myself in the mirror and say I gotta be better.” JR further claimed that “Execution and professionalism” are lacking in the team.
Besides, there has been tension in Minnesota’s locker room as per the rumors. After their 128-108 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers earlier in November, Anthony Edwards claimed that Coach Finch is doing everything in his power to turn their woes to win. “The coach gives us the fu***ng answers. We’re just not doing it as a team,” Antman claimed.
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The 2024/25 NBA Season is a long one. With just 17 games rolled out of the 82-game season, Randle & Co. has time to bounce back. But, for things to fall into place, coordination would be necessary. Well, not just Coach Finch, but the players like Anthony Edwards have also pointed out the lack of unity in the games. So, to shake things up, the Minnesota Timberwolves have a lot to fix amidst all the locker room rumors going around.
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Is Julius Randle's criticism of the Timberwolves' professionalism justified, or is he deflecting blame?
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Is Julius Randle's criticism of the Timberwolves' professionalism justified, or is he deflecting blame?
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