Chris Finch’s loyalty to Julius Randle is turning into one of the loudest arguments around the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Game 4 only sharpened it. In a win over the San Antonio Spurs after Victor Wembanyama’s ejection, Finch still leaned heavily on Randle down the stretch even though the forward was having another off night.
That trust has been a frequent point of contention for Wolves fans, who have criticized Finch for empowering Randle in the offense, for rarely calling him out publicly, and for insisting on closing with him even when the shots are not falling. The frustration is not just about style. It is about production, and Randle’s has been subpar for much of this series.
Through the second round against San Antonio, Randle has averaged 34.4 minutes, 14.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists, while turning the ball over 4.5 times a game. His shooting line, 37/26.7/76.5, reflects the broader problem: the Spurs have made life difficult on him with athleticism, double teams, size and rim protection. They have forced him into a ton of turnovers and limited his scoring at the rim.
Reid has made the case for a different balance. The Timberwolves have argued for leaning on Naz Reid a bit more, and the sixth man has answered. Reid, who plays a similar role to Randle and is regarded as arguably the best sixth man in the league, has outplayed Randle in the series. He has averaged 28.4 minutes, 14 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists, while shooting 52.5/47.4/71.4. In a matchup that has exposed one forward’s rough edges, Reid has looked cleaner, steadier and more efficient.
None of that means Minnesota should rip up its lineup. A starting change of that magnitude would be too severe. Randle also has value beyond the box score; he has been playing stout defense, and Reid has been doing the same. But the evidence points in one direction. A little less Randle and a little more Reid is not overreaction. It is the adjustment the Wolves need to make if they want their offense to keep pace with the pressure San Antonio is putting on it.
The simplest answer is the one Finch has been reluctant to say out loud: if Randle is having an off night, he should close with Reid in his place. Game 4 suggested what can happen when that instinct gives way to loyalty. The Wolves survived, but Finch’s unwavering trust in Randle feels bound to backfire if it keeps overriding what the series is showing him.
