BBNBA: Julius Randle is looking comfortable in Minnesota

Going from the bright lights of New York to, well, Minneapolis, was surely an interesting transition for Julius Randle. The former Kentucky star was shipped from the Knicks to the Timberwolves in a Cat-for-KAT trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to the Big Apple. Pundits questioned which side would benefit more from this exchanging of big men, but at least through the first eight-ish games of the 2024-25 season, you have to give the early win to the Wolves.

Minnesota moved to a 5-3 record following Thursday night’s 135-119 win over the Chicago Bulls. Randle once again finished in double-figures, which he’s done in every game so far this season. The 6-foot-9 playmaking forward posted 22 points (8-15 FG), 10 rebounds, and three assists in 35 minutes.

While his number of overall shot attempts has dipped significantly compared to the last few seasons with the Knicks, Randle is shooting the ball better than ever. He’s at a 56.9 percent clip from the field and a 43.8 percent clip from deep — both career-highs. It only took Randle a couple of games to establish some rhythm with his new teammates. The chemistry still isn’t where it needs to be just yet, but we’re on pace to see a fourth All-Star nomination from Randle if he keeps this up and Minnesota keeps winning.

Unfortunately, Randle’s rookie teammate, Rob Dillingham, has still yet to receive a real chance. He finally made his NBA debut last Saturday but in the three games he’s appeared in, he’s yet to see more than 10 minutes. Dillingham played just a hair under two minutes Thursday night near the end of the Wolves’ blowout win.

Other BBNBA notes

• How about Johnny Juzang? Now in year three as a pro — all with the Utah Jazz — the 23-year-old continues to find his way onto the court. During the Jazz’s 123-100 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, Juzang went for 12 points on 4-6 shooting, including a 3-4 mark from long range. Over his last three outings, Juzang has gone for 17 points, eight points, and 12 points. The Jazz (1-7) are trying to be bad this season, which means we should see even more minutes coming his way this season.
• Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe made his season debut in a 118-105 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. He went for 13 points, two rebounds, one assist, and one block in 20 minutes. He missed the first eight games of the season due to a labral tear in his shoulder. On the winning side, Keldon Johnson dropped a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double for the Spurs. He also added three assists.

11/7/24 statistics

Player	Score	PTS	FG (3PT)	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	+/-	MIN
Julius Randle (MIN)	135-119 W @ CHI	22	8-15 (1-4)	10	3	1	0	4	21	35
Keldon Johnson (SAS)	118-105 W vs. POR	17	6-13 (2-5)	11	3	0	0	0	17	30
Shaedon Sharpe (POR)	118-105 L @ SAS	13	6-9 (1-4)	2	1	0	1	1	-4	20
Johnny Juzang (UTA)	123-100 L @ MIL	12	4-6 (3-4)	1	1	1	1	0	-4	16
Rob Dillingham (MIN)	135-119 W @ CHI	0	0-0	0	1	0	0	0	-1	2
Chris Livingston (MIL)	123-100 W vs. UTA	DNP-G League	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Oscar Tshiebwe (UTA)	123-100 L @ MIL	DNP-CD	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—

Tonight in the NBA

• 7:00 PM | Pelicans (Boston, Reeves) @ Magic
• 7:00 PM | Hawks @ Pistons
• 7:00 PM | Pacers (Jackson: out) @ Hornets (Richards)
• 7:30 PM (ESPN) | Suns (Booker, TyTy Washington) @ Mavericks (PJ Washington)
• 7:30 PM | Bucks (Livingston) @ Knicks (Toppin, Towns)
• 7:30 PM | Warriors @ Cavaliers
• 7:30 PM | Nets @ Celtics
• 8:00 PM | Rockets (Sheppard) @ Thunder (Gilgeous-Alexander, Wallace)
• 8:00 PM | Wizards @ Grizzlies
• 9:00 PM | Heat (Adebayo, Herro) @ Nuggets (Murray: out)
• 9:00 PM | Trail Blazers (Sharpe) @ Timberwolves (Dillingham, Randle)
• 10:00 PM | Clippers @ Kings (Fox, Lyles, Monk)
• 10:00 PM (ESPN) | 76ers (Edwards, Maxey: out)@ Lakers (Davis: probable, Vanderbilt: out)