May 14, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) holds the ball up as Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) plays defense in the first half during game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Draymond Green Makes Honest Julius Randle Statement After Playoff Elimination

Originally posted on Golden State Warriors on SI
By Liam Willerup | Last updated May 19, 2025 7:25 PM ET

The Golden State Warriors headed into the NBA Playoffs with some hope of chasing a fifth ring in the Steve Kerr era, but it was clear that one thing needed to happen for them to have a chance: stay healthy. Unfortunately, that all came crashing down in Game 1 vs the Minnesota Timberwolves when Steph Curry went down with a Grade 1 hamstring strain, leading to a five-game series loss.

Even though the Warriors were able to hold on to a win in Game 1 without Curry in the second half, the rest of the series saw Golden State be outmatched. A main proponent in the Timberwolves' series win was Julius Randle, as Draymond Green made an honest statement about him following his team's elimination.

"I don't FEEL like I lost my matchup... I lost my matchup."@Money23Green admits to @BaronDavis that Julius Randle got the better of him in Warriors-Wolves series pic.twitter.com/ojWz0rulGP
— The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis (@DraymondShow) May 19, 2025

"I don't FEEL like I lost my matchup... I lost my matchup, like Julius [Randle] was incredible," Green said on a recent episode of his podcast. Before that, Green said the only time he felt he lost his matchup in a playoff series was against Pascal Siakam during the 2019 NBA Finals.

During their Western Conference Semifinals matchup, Randle averaged 25.2 points, 7.4 assists, and 6.6 rebounds while shooting 53.3% from the field in five games. After being traded in the Karl-Anthony Towns deal during last offseason, Randle is now playing a major part in a Conference Finals team.

Anthony Edwards & Julius Randle are the highest scoring duo remaining in the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/22huawTJ0F
— Polymarket Hoops (@StatMamba) May 19, 2025

Now, Randle will be matched up against a plethora of Oklahoma City defenders as he tries to help the Timberwolves to their first NBA Finals appearance.

This article first appeared on Golden State Warriors on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: