Brian Windhorst says a LeBron James-type participant will determine the Western Convention Finals for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
For the primary time in franchise historical past, the Minnesota Timberwolves have earned back-to-back berths within the Western Convention Finals.
Within the 2025 playoffs, the Timberwolves have already eradicated the LA Lakers and the Golden State Warriors.
Whereas Anthony Edwards is taking part in at an elite degree, there’s yet another Timberwolves star who has turned out to be the X-factor for the group.
When the Timberwolves traded for Julius Randle, many have been left shocked by the choice. Randle’s early-season struggles didn’t make issues higher for him.
Nonetheless, Randle has silenced his critics with a sensational run within the 2025 postseason. Holding that in thoughts, NBA analyst Brian Windhorst had ‘miniature LeBron James‘ reward for the Timberwolves star.
“He averaged 25, 7 and seven. 6-foot-9 point-forward, averaging these type of numbers. Who does that remind you of? How about LeBron James?
“He’s appearing like a miniature LeBron James on this postseason being a drive together with his dimension. With the ability to be a playmaker. With the ability to play totally different roles on offense, totally different roles on protection,” Windhorst mentioned.
He added: “The sort of participant subsequent to Ant is what’s taking the Wolves to the subsequent degree. The explanation that they’re right here is due to the way in which they’ve performed down the stretch.”
To be exact, Randle averaged 25.2 factors, 6.6 rebounds, and seven.4 assists per sport in opposition to the Warriors within the second spherical. Furthermore, Randle’s chemistry with Edwards was key to eliminating the Dubs in simply 5 video games.
The Timberwolves lately locked horns vs the OKC Thunder in Sport 1 of the WCF collection. As anticipated, the T-Wolves had no reply for the Thunder and suffered a 114-88 defeat within the opening sport.
Regardless of the blowout loss, Randle left his imprint on the sport as he was the one participant who breached the 20-point mark for the Timberwolves.
To be exact, Randle completed the evening with 28 factors, 8 rebounds, and 1 steal. Whereas the remainder of the group struggled to shoot nicely, Randle shot 69.2% from the sector and 83.3% from deep.
With Randle taking part in at this degree, Edwards and Rudy Gobert might want to step up their sport within the second spherical of the collection in hopes of tying the collection at 1-1.
