Julius Randle’s Defensive Growth Praised by Minnesota Timberwolves Coach Chris Finch
According to reports from Yahoo Sports, Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch has been impressed with the defensive growth of forward Julius Randle. Finch, who had a previous relationship with Randle during his time as an assistant coach with the New Orleans Pelicans, believes that Randle’s improvement on the defensive side of the ball has been significant.
Finch, who worked with Randle from 2017 to 2020, noted that Randle "didn’t feel as comfortable as he is now in a lot of things that we’re asking him to do" during their time together in New Orleans. However, since joining the Timberwolves, Randle has shown vast improvement, with Finch praising his "on-ball competitiveness and ability to contain" as being at a "super high level right now." As Yahoo Sports reported, Finch stated, "To me, the most impressive growth [Randle’s defense] for him. He can execute a variety of coverages, but really just his on-ball competitiveness and ability to contain is [at] a super high level right now."
Randle’s growth as a defender has been crucial to the Timberwolves’ success this postseason. Through two playoff series, consisting of 10 total games, Randle is averaging 24 points, six assists, and six rebounds a game on 62% true shooting. The Timberwolves have relied heavily on him, and he has delivered in crucial moments. As noted by Yahoo Sports, Finch sees Randle as an "impactful defensive player, a plus defender."
The Timberwolves’ physical and elite defense, led by Randle, will face their toughest test yet in the Western Conference Finals as they travel to Oklahoma City to face Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder. However, Finch’s trust in Randle and the rest of his Timberwolves roster is evident, as they are now just four wins away from their first NBA Finals appearance in team history.
As reported by Yahoo Sports, Randle’s improvement on the defensive side of the ball has been significant, with Finch adding, "I see him as an impactful defensive player, a plus defender." This praise from Finch is a testament to Randle’s hard work and dedication to improving his game.
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ success this postseason has been impressive, with the team ending the Warriors’ historic run before the NBA playoff series. As Yahoo Sports noted, the team’s "underdog mentality" has been a key factor in their success, with Rudy Gobert speaking highly of the team’s mindset.
In conclusion, Julius Randle’s defensive growth has been a key factor in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ success this postseason. With praise from head coach Chris Finch, Randle has proven himself to be an impactful defensive player, and his improvement will be crucial in the team’s pursuit of their first NBA Finals appearance in team history. As Yahoo Sports reported, Randle’s growth as a defender has been significant, and his contributions will be vital in the team’s upcoming games.
