Julius Randle’s Wife Demands Respect for Her Husband After Dominating Warriors

Julius Randle has stepped up for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the postseason after initial fears of not gelling with the team.

Julius Randle’s Wife Demands Respect for Her Husband After Dominating Warriors

Kendra Randle demands respect for husband Julius Randle (Image via FirstSportz)

Julius Randle is on his fourth different team in his eleven seasons in the NBA. Now with the Minnesota Timberwolves, many did not believe he was the right fit. There were concerns on how his lack of defense would undermine leading superstar Anthony Edwards.

When that blockbuster trade happened, many fans and analysts instantly believed that the Timberwolves lost the trade. There was some reprieve in getting Donte DiVincenzo along with Randle, but mostly the concerns surrounded the latter’s lack of aggressiveness, which has become a part of his character.

The initial few months seemed to confirm those early inhibitions. The team’s chemistry was lacking, and Randle’s deficiencies were blamed for their losses. His production across the board had dropped, and fans worried they might have a problem on their hands.

The Timberwolves were nowhere close to their performances from last season. This season, they looked like a play-in team at best. But then, starting from March, something seemed to have changed. The Wolves won 17 of their 21 games in that span and climbed back up to the playoff spots.

In the first-round battle against the Los Angeles Lakers, Randle quietly did what he needed to do. In the second round, he stepped up more than ever. He was matching step for step with Anthony Edwards to help defeat the Golden State Warriors and book a return ticket to the West Finals. After dominating Game 5, his wife, Kendra Randle, wrote this on X.

PUT SOME RESPECT ON IT! WCF

Kendra Randle wrote

Mrs. Randle’s words were a reminder to all those who questioned her husband all throughout this past season. She believes now that those critics ought to give the father of her children the respect that he has earned.

Steve Kerr gives Julius Randle his flowers

Julius Randle did not have many highlight reels to show for in the second-round series against the Golden State Warriors. The lone highlight was when he shot a three, and Stephen Curry‘s reaction to his celebration went viral. But Curry’s head coach, Steve Kerr, had high praise for the forward.

Julius Randle was incredible, what a series. I think he has taken a leap. I remember playing here earlier in the season, and it looked like a tough fit. They didn’t have the spacing, they missed Towns. Fast forward to tonight, he’s 13 for 18. He was just incredible the whole series.

Steve Kerr said

A multiple NBA championship-winning head coach speaking glowingly about a player whom he, too, did not feel was right for the Wolves early in the season shows how far Julius Randle has come. The forward has come a long way, and some believe he is peaking at the right time.

Draymond Green also talked about how Randle coming into form at this stage will help the Timberwolves take the next step. Last time, the franchise lost to Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks in the West Finals. This time, they have to ensure they do not repeat the same mistake.

Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards have to step up in West Finals

Last season, the Minnesota Timberwolves struggled with fatigue when facing the Dallas Mavericks. That contributed to their lackluster performances, and they bowed out without putting up a decent fight. This season, the team has managed to maintain its energy levels well.

Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards have to step up in the West Finals
Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards have to step up in the West Finals (Image via Open Source/X)

In both the playoff series so far, they have defeated their opponents in five games. Moreover, their depth has helped the starters take a breather in between so that they could attack in late-game situations. This time, they might face the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are also a well-rested, young, and energetic team.

But there is a crucial difference when it comes to the two squads. The Timberwolves can utilize Julius Randle to draw both the Thunder big men away from the basket. That will open driving lanes for Anthony Edwards. They can even flip the script with their other players.

But primarily, the tone has to be set by the two top players. If they can continue to attack the Thunder or the Denver Nuggets, if it turns out so, they can book a ticket to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.

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