The Minnesota Timberwolves are preparing for their opening round matchup in the NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers. Game one will take place on Saturday, April 19 in Los Angeles.
One of the Timberwolves that is looking forward to this series the most is forward Julius Randle. While speaking with the media, he was asked about missing last season's playoffs due to his shoulder injury, and how it feels to be back playing in the postseason.
"This is one of the few times -- probably really the only time in my whole career -- I feel like I have a chance to really play for something," Randle replied.
Having spent the first four years of his career with the Lakers before being signing with the New Orleans Pelicans, Randle may have some additional motivation for this series. This feels like a subtle shot not only towards the Lakers, but also possibly towards the New York Knicks. Especially, since he spent five seasons there.
The furthest that Randle has ever made it in the postseason is when the Knicks reached the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals in 2021 and 2023 playoffs. Now that he is healthy, he can help contribute to a team that just reached the Western Conference Finals last season.
Even though the Lakers are the No. 3 seed, and the Timberwolves are the No. 6 seed, only one regular season wins separate the two teams. In four regular season games against each other, the two teams won two games each. Randle led all scorers in their matchup back in December.
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Minnesota will need him to dominate in the post and take advantage of the Lakers frontcourt to improve their chances of winning the series. With his excitement to play postseason basketball again, Randle should have a productive series against one of his former teams.
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