One setback can prove to be a lesson for a lifetime. Well, if not a lifetime, then at least for the upcoming games. It took the Minnesota Timberwolves a loss vs. the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday to shake off their mistakes. As a result, the Memphis Grizzlies faced their full force at FedExForum on Thursday. It wasn’t an easy game because, well, when has it ever been easy with Ja Morant around? But with Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards on the floor, Chris Finch found his hope.

The Wolves were undoubtedly wary since their loss against the Bucks. However, they maintained their big lead in that game, improving from the last matchup. To be more precise, Ant and Co. found their ground back and it showed in their insane third quarter run. 52 points? Well, that was crazy! Meanwhile, Julius Randle had a historic night adding his name among the brightest stars, thus head coach Chris Finch has a demand.

During the postgame press conference, the reporters wanted to know if using Julius Randle in the post against a smaller defender (Desmond Bane) was a dependable strategy to slow down the opponent’s momentum and get easy points. Chris Finch responded: “Yeah, I mean, listen, the Julius post-ups have resulted in one of the more efficient things that we do, for sure. We got to go to it more, particularly when they’re going to play small. Did a good job of just calming us down. He made some shots. He’s always, always a good passer from there.”

Randle near the basket for post-ups is the best and most efficient offensive option for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Therefore, coach Finch wants the 30-year-old forward near the basket more often. Because that is working for the team. Simply put, Julius Randle helps steady the team during tense moments, scoring reliably and also passing well from the post.

Meanwhile, the Black Panther made his way into the franchise’s record books. He became the only player other than Kevin Garnett to finish with 31 points and 10 rebounds while not attempting a single free throw. But hey, it took the Timberwolves some maddening efforts to contain Ja Morant. No Randle and no Antman’s power performance could’ve saved the team had they failed to stop that force.

So, Chris Finch also admitted to the media: “First and foremost, we were giving Morant way too much of a runway. He was just coming at us. We were on our heels. We had to get back and get him contained, kind of shrink his runway a little bit.” He also admitted they struggled to contain Ja Morant early, unsure how to handle pick-and-rolls and off-ball movement. However, once they adjusted and tightened up in the second half, the chaos turned into control—and the defense finally clicked.

And while Julius Randle made history on Thursday, Anthony Edwards didn’t miss his spotlight. Scoring 44 points, the 23-year-old guard showed why he’s one of the most dangerous players on the floor. At the same time, he gave a quick message to clarify his stance over his health.

Amidst Julius Randle’s big night, Anthony Edwards sends a clear message on his health

Not too long ago, Anthony Edwards was playing against the Brooklyn Nets. He stepped on the Nets coach Jordi Fernandez’s foot after making a three-point. But in return, he ended up with a twisted ankle. Was this something to be concerned about? Of course! Ant is the centerpiece of the Timberwolves. He is the star of Chris Finch’s masterplans. Had the injury been severe, who knows he might have had to miss some games which would’ve been troubling with the postseason ahead.

But now, with this win against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Wolves stand 8th in the Western Conference. A hopeful spot in the Play-ins? For sure. So, the reporter asked Ant about the next two games and the impact of winning both would mean finishing in Top 6. Therefore, “Is it just determination now to finish this thing strong?” Without a moment’s hesitation, Edward responded: “Yeah, hell yeah.”

Most importantly, how’s he doing physically? Anthony Edwards replied with a smile: “I’m feeling great. If Mike is feeling good, I’m feeling the best day of my life. Yeah, you know, he’s 37, I’m 23. So he’s feeling good, and I’m feeling great.” Well, that’s great news for Minnesota and troubling news for the two rivals in the next two games.

Therefore, with Julius Randle dominating the post, Ant rewriting records, and Finch fine-tuning the defense, the Timberwolves have found their rhythm just in time. The lessons from Milwaukee? Clearly learned. Now, with Edwards feeling the best day of his life and the Play-In within reach, the Wolves aren’t just surviving; they’re charging full steam ahead.