Timberwolves want Julius Randle to be aggressive. Thursday’s win over Sacramento showed why

Minnesota was struggling to find any semblance of an offensive rhythm early in Thursday’s game in Sacramento.

Frankly, the starting five of Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, Jaden McDaniels, Mike Conley and Rudy Gobert hasn’t yet meshed. Nothing is coming easy.

But sometimes, when you have talented players, the hard way will work just fine.

Randle hit one shot after another Thursday, first keeping the game afloat early with 11 first quarter points, and then helping Minnesota pull even and eventually, gets its nose out in front in the second half.

Randle finished with 33 points in the Wolves’ win, shooting 13 for 17 from the floor, including 5 for 6 from deep.

“He was phenomenal. It set the tone, kept us in the game early, almost all by himself,” Wolves coach Chris Finch told reporters. “That lineup in particular right now is kind of struggling to find a great rhythm. He was decisive. He shot the ball well, created a ton of shots for his teammates, played with great physicality.”

Primarily, the newly acquired, three-time All-Star forward was aggressive. That was a message he was given by countless teammates and coaches over the past few days. As Edwards told him: “Don’t fit around us. We’ll fit around you.”

Randle told reporters that Finch challenged him to be more aggressive, particularly with the starting group.

“Coach said they need that for me. Ant needs that from me, because defense is loading up on him,” Randle said. “So, he needs me to be aggressive out there to take pressure off him, as well. I felt that, and really everything just kind of came in the flow of the offense.”

Edwards cited Randle’s All-Star resume and history of production, and said that’s the player Minnesota needs the forward to be. Karl-Anthony Towns was Minnesota’s No. 2 scorer. With him gone, Randle likely needs to step into that role — one he’s comfortable filling.

“That’s why he here. He did a tremendous job of that. We want him to keep doing that,” Edwards said. “Don’t think about passing nobody the ball. Shoot it.”

Well, maybe pass some. And Minnesota knows he will when it’s required.

“A lot of people just telling me to be myself. Just be who I am,” Randle said. “They trust me to make the right plays. Naturally, what I’m trying to do is go out there and play basketball the right way. It worked out.”