For the first time since Julius Randle arrived in Minnesota two years ago, Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch voiced public frustration with the three-time All-Star’s rebounding after Friday’s 107-104 loss to Portland at Target Center.
Minnesota led 104-103 with 35 seconds left before surrendering two offensive rebounds that set up Jerami Grant’s decisive three-pointer. The Trail Blazers finished with 18 offensive boards, while Randle, who is averaging a career-low 6.8 rebounds, collected five total and only three on the defensive glass.
“We’re up 104-103 and all we have to do is get a rebound and we can’t,” Finch said post-game. “Julius has three defensive rebounds. That’s not good enough.”
Randle accepted the critique. “Just gotta go get the ball,” he said. “They were quicker to the ball than us. We shouldn’t lose games from rebounding.”
Getting Gobert more touches
Finch also emphasized the need to involve Rudy Gobert offensively after the veteran center missed two late tip-ins that would have tied the game. Teammates sometimes bypass the 7-foot-1 big man because of occasional fumbles near the rim, but Finch urged them to keep feeding him.
“They know not to look to me for sympathy if Rudy drops one,” Finch said. “I tell them to keep throwing it. It pays off more than not.”
Locker-room “connectors”
Shooting guard Anthony Edwards credited Mike Conley, Kyle Anderson and trade-deadline pickup Ayo Dosunmu for stabilizing the locker room. Donte DiVincenzo called Conley and Anderson “mature adults” whose steady presence helps teammates navigate the season’s emotional swings.
Reid’s ankle status
Reserve big man Naz Reid missed Friday’s game with a right ankle sprain and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s matchup in Boston.
Source: Hoops Rumors
