Faced with the length and technique of Victor Wembanyama, Julius Randle established himself as a decisive factor in the Timberwolves’ victory (104-103) against the Spurs on Sunday evening, holding the Texan star much more than expected in key moments. Through his ultra-physical defense, by contacting him intelligently and hindering his supports, Randle was one of the centerpieces of Minnesota’s comeback in the fourth quarter.
While the Spurs had consolidated a lead of up to 19 points by dominating the match for three quarters, the match changed in the final minutes thanks in particular to the defensive imprint placed by Randle (but also Gobert, McDaniels and co) on the French pivot.
Better, it was Randle himself who chose to establish this challenge by staring at the Spurs star without saying a word, as if to show him that he was “focused” on him and that he would not let him go. We don’t know if this game of trashtalk had any effect on the pivot, but it’s clear that it certainly motivated Julius.
Thus, in the last quarter, Wembanyama, although author of 29 points in the end, found himself very limited in his offensive options, in particular forced to force shots or to settle for a reduced number of free throws, proof that the interior of the Wolves left him little space to express himself.
Anthony Edwards against Wembanyama: “I was lost”
Randle’s strength in this matchup was to combine mobility and physical impact. Despite the obvious difference in size, he was able to challenge Wembanyama’s positions, hinder him in his support, and reduce the Frenchman’s effectiveness when the match was being played. This defensive role was a key element which, combined with Minnesota’s late skill, allowed the Wolves to come back and then seal the victory.
Here are the 3 actions that perfectly sum up the level of intensity Randle put on Victor:
Naz Reid, author of an excellent end to the match (17 pts, 11 rebounds) and displaying the best +/- of his team with +23, returned to the locker room on the impact of Randle:
« It was huge. Being able to contain Wembanyama, to make important actions in defense… But he was also excellent in attack. The second chance baskets, the and-ones, the free throws made… it all counted. It was huge. Really huge. Bravo to him. »
This defensive performance from Randle takes on all the more importance as the nature of the match had long turned to the advantage of Spurs, who had led most of the game thanks in particular to a very active Wembanyama. But in critical moments, it was Randle’s resilience that helped slow down San Antonio’s most feared offensive option, before Anthony Edwards scored the winning clutch shot.
Mitch Johnson, Spurs coach, deplored this collapse against Wolves at a press conference:
« They are very physical, it’s one of their strengths. But I don’t think we’re outclassed in this area either. We were dominated in the fourth quarter, that’s a fact. The ball didn’t move enough, we missed shots but, once again, what was most disappointing was the physical aspect. They increased their intensity in this area, they destabilized us.
At certain times, we were not on the same wavelength in attack and we must recognize that it is partly their fault. This was mainly due to their physical play and their willingness to initiate contact. We must be able to play despite this while maintaining a certain control and composure in attack. That’s what we missed tonight, both physically and mentally. »
In defense of the Spurs, remember that this team is very young and that the Wolves have much greater experience in these duels at the top of the conference. Randle and Gobert (who did not spare Victor on this fault) are veterans used to these physical fights. But what we can learn from this victory and the method used is that the Wolves had every intention of sending a message. The Spurs received it perfectly.
Rudy Gobert suspended for flagrant foul on Victor Wembanyama
