NBA teams can only get as far as where their stars take them. For the Minnesota Timberwolves, they have tons of potential with their pair of star players. Between Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, the Timberwolves have two reliable stars who carry the offense.
Since they shoulder plenty of responsibilities within Chris Finch's system, they have no issues taking charge. They want to take as many shots as possible because their aggression affects the entire team.
In Game 3 of the series between the Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors, Edwards and Randle combined for 60 points. Considering the Timberwolves scored 102 points, it is safe to say that they have embraced their roles as the stars.
That might sound peculiar to some people outside the team, but that is how the system is designed. They want their star players to take charge and shoot. The green light is bright for them, which worked well in the 2025 Playoffs.
The Timberwolves have an incredibly deep roster filled with capable players. They fulfill many roles in Finch's system, but Edwards and Randle fit the go-to guy bill.
With their aggression on offense, they make the defenders key on them. The focus is on the star duo, which leaves more opportunities for their teammates to attack. Jaden McDaniels, Mike Conley Jr., and Naz Reid become more dangerous that way.
The offense flows much better when Edwards and Randle play with a high level of aggression. That is why Conley and the other Timberwolves players are encouraging them to keep attacking.
“They only had 52? We trying to get them 60 or 70”
— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) May 11, 2025
- Mike Conley on Anthony Edwards + Julius Randle combining for 52 FGA pic.twitter.com/zfvHS1Tglk
"It is Playoff basketball. The best players shoot the ball. Hell yeah," Edwards said about him and Randle taking the majority of the Timberwolves' shots. "It's kinda crazy because teams don't want me to get to the hole, but now, they don't want me to shoot step-back threes."
After taking a 2-1 lead in Game 3, the Timberwolves can take a commanding 3-1 lead in Game 4. They are being rewarded for their stellar performances, as they are peaking at the right time with this postseason run.
Since the Warriors are still missing Stephen Curry until at least a possible Game 6, the Timberwolves can stamp out their hopes by continuing to win. If they win Game 4, they regain home-court advantage and a shot at finishing the series in five games.
Julius Randle defensive rebound + drive-and-kick pass to Anthony Edwards for the corner 3 pic.twitter.com/8lGJXGEnQ8
— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) May 11, 2025
That happened in the series against the Los Angeles Lakers, as the Timberwolves kept dominating and won it in a gentleman's sweep. The same could happen against the Warriors, but this is a tougher defense. However, Edwards and Randle could stand out and show why they are the Timberwolves' star players.
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