His return was not as sensational as that of Lonzo Ball, but there was a great desire to see Julius Randle back on the track and, above all, with his new team: Minnesota Timberwolves.
The former Knicks player played his first minutes this 2024 preseason and his first game since getting injured on January 27 against the Miami Heat.
Randle reached almost half an hour of play to collect 15 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and a steal with a 6/12 shooting from the field. The powerful striker sometimes suffered from individualism, but got along well enough with star Anthony Edwards.
Coach Chris Finch has fielded what will be his elite quintet for next year with the aforementioned Randle, Gobert, McDaniels, Edwards and veteran Mike Conley.
On the Minneapolis team, reserve Josh Minott also contributed double-digit scoring with 18 points; Donte DiVincenzo (17); Anthony Edwards (16); Jaden McDaniels (13) and Rudy Gobert (13 points and 17 rebounds)
(Cover photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images)