The Minnesota Timberwolves faced a tough setback on Friday, falling to the Portland Trail Blazers 108-104 at Target Center. With this loss, the Timberwolves' record slipped to 43-28, and it highlighted a recurring issue for the team: rebounding. Head coach Chris Finch didn't hold back in his postgame comments, specifically pointing out Julius Randle's lack of presence on the boards.
The numbers tell the story. Portland snagged 18 offensive rebounds, converting them into 22 second-chance points.
Finch emphasized the early struggles, noting how the Blazers grabbed several offensive boards right from the start, leading to seven second-chance points by the first timeout. The Timberwolves' inability to secure a crucial rebound while leading 104-103 in the final minute proved costly, as Jerami Grant's three-pointer shifted the momentum and ultimately sealed the game for Portland.
Finch didn't shy away from addressing Randle's performance. Despite Randle's solid offensive showing, scoring 19 points with an impressive 10 in the fourth quarter, his rebounding was a concern.
Randle managed just three defensive rebounds in 37 minutes, and notably, none in the fourth quarter. This followed a similar pattern from Wednesday's win over the Utah Jazz, where Randle also struggled on the glass.
It's not often Finch calls out players publicly, especially someone like Randle, a three-time All-Star. But the urgency is clear. With Anthony Edwards sidelined due to right knee inflammation, the Timberwolves need more from Randle, not just in scoring but in rebounding as well.
The loss to the Blazers snapped a two-game winning streak for the Timberwolves, achieved without Edwards. However, those wins came against teams struggling this season, the Jazz and a slumping Phoenix Suns.
Looking ahead, the Timberwolves face a formidable challenge against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. For the Timberwolves to bounce back, Randle will need to elevate his game, particularly on the boards, to help fill the void left by Edwards.