The Western Conference Finals are just pure fire right now! After Minnesota absolutely walloped OKC in Game 3 to make it a 2-1 series, Game 4 in Minneapolis is turning into another absolute dogfight. At halftime, the Thunder are clinging to a 65-57 lead. But even with all the on-court intensity, some of the biggest noise is actually being made off the court. Timberwolves’ own Julius Randle jumped on ESPN’s “NBA Countdown” during the Game 4 action, and man, did he have some powerful stuff to say about his young superstar teammate, Anthony Edwards.

Randle was on the show to chop it up about his whole experience in Minnesota, especially that big mindset shift he had between his rough Game 2 and that monster bounce-back in Game 3. But when the conversation turned to Anthony Edwards, Randle didn’t hold back with the praise. He said: “And just being around Ant, Ant is special. We know what he does on the court but just his personality – how he makes everyone included as a leader.”

That’s a heck of a compliment, especially coming from a guy like Randle – a multi-time All-Star, a vet who’s seen it all. He’s not just talking about Ant’s insane highlights (like the 30-piece he dropped on OKC in Game 3). Randle’s pointing to Ant’s character, how he naturally brings the team together. That’s the kind of leadership that really makes a difference, and it’s clearly hitting home for Randle. And you know Randle means it. Just a few days ago, after Ant’s big Game 3 performance, Randle had more high praise, saying, “Ant’s always locked in. It can always be that kind of night for him. He’s special. There’s nothing that anybody can do to slow him down or stop him.”

The bond between Randle and Ant clearly goes deeper than just X’s and O’s. Windhorst, on his podcast ‘Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective,’ shared a story about that flight home after Game 2. Randle was trying to keep it professional, telling himself to just suck it up after getting benched. But then there was Ant, just being Ant. “ANT is in such a good mood that by the time they’re halfway home, [Randle’s] actually like, finds himself like smiling because ANT was just pumping everybody up,” Windhorst said. Randle himself has talked about how Ant’s infectious personality just lifted him up, made him forget his worries.

That’s the Ant effect in full force—he elevates everyone around him. It’s not just Randle who feels it. Teammates across the board have spoken about the maturity and inclusiveness Edwards brings to the locker room. Naz Reid put it plainly: “You would think he’s 30.” That kind of statement speaks volumes about the respect Ant commands, even at just 23. Rookie Terrance Shannon Jr., who saw meaningful minutes in Game 3, is already reaping the benefits. Edwards praised Shannon’s “ultimate energy” and fearless aggression after the win—proof that Ant’s leadership isn’t just top-down, it’s contagious.

It’s pretty clear that this kind of off-court influence from their young star is undoubtedly playing a role in how veterans like Randle are finding their groove and contributing to the Timberwolves’ playoff push. 

“Weight off my shoulders”: Randle’s Minnesota makeover is no joke

Hearing Julius Randle speak so highly of Anthony Edwards’ leadership and the culture in Minnesota hits differently when you consider what he endured in New York. It’s clear he’s happy with his new team—but more than that, he sounds liberated. Free to play his game, free from the weight of expectations that once stifled him. And it’s showing. The version of Randle we’re seeing in these playoffs—dropping 28 in Game 1 and a pivotal 24 in the Game 3 win over OKC—feels like a player reborn, thriving in an environment that finally fits.

So, what’s the secret sauce in Minnesota? Part of it, as many have pointed out, is simply not being under the relentless, often brutal, New York microscope anymore. Randle himself has been pretty open about it. He talked about how his motivation used to be about “proving people wrong,” but now? “It became more about proving myself right. That’s been the biggest adjustment and change in my mindset.” He sounds like a guy who’s rediscovered the joy in the game.

“I feel like the weight of the world’s off my shoulders because I’m just playing, having fun,” Randle said. “It’s not for anybody else, but for myself and for my teammates and people that pour into me and love me. I’m not out here to prove anybody wrong or change a narrative.”

That’s a world away from his experience in the Big Apple. He described his time there, especially when things weren’t going well, as anything but fun. “It ain’t fun, it ain’t fun,” he admitted. “You can’t really focus on the game, you’re focused on everything else other than the game itself. You’re living and dying with every single shot, every single turnover, every single loss. It’s not a fun way to play. It’s exhausting.” You can almost hear the relief in his voice now.

And his teammates in Minnesota? They see the transformation—and they deeply respect what he brings. Especially considering the scrutiny he’s faced throughout his career. Donte DiVincenzo, who came over with Randle in the blockbuster trade for Karl-Anthony Towns, summed it up best: “The amount of s— Julius takes, it’s hard to even fathom how he deals with it. To see him carry the load, night in and night out… he doesn’t let it faze him, he doesn’t let it bother him.” That kind of resilience doesn’t just earn respect—it galvanizes a locker room.

This isn’t just about Randle feeling better mentally, though. He’s also playing the style of basketball that he wanted to play using his physicality to wear down opponents and dominate. We saw it in the series against the Warriors, where he averaged 27 points, nearly 8 assists, and 7.5 rebounds in those last four games. Dominant enough to make Draymond Green admit he “Lost” his matchup to Julius.

It just goes to show, sometimes a change of scenery, a supportive environment, and the freedom to just be yourself on the court can unlock a whole new level. For Julius Randle, Minnesota seems to be that perfect fit, and the rest of the West is finding that out the hard way.