When did the Minnesota Timberwolves turn the tide in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals? It happened immediately after their demoralizing 15-point loss in Game 2, which left them trailing 0-2 in the series.
As they boarded their chartered 757 flight from Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City late Thursday night, frustration was undoubtedly high among the team members.
Jaden McDaniels was annoyed by the fouls called against him while guarding MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Julius Randle was upset after coach Chris Finch benched him for the entire fourth quarter. Naz Reid was mentally repeating a shooter`s mantra, trying to overcome starting the series 0-of-12 from three-point range.
Then they stepped onto the plane and encountered Anthony Edwards.
“Around Ant,” Reid commented, “you can never really get down on yourself.”
Edwards` boundless energy can sometimes appear youthful or immature. His unfiltered personality often leads to amusing moments but also NBA fines. However, for his team, it never results in negativity. Edwards` disposition after Game 2 was frequently cited by coaches and teammates as the key factor behind the stunning Game 3 reversal, where the Wolves delivered a shocking 42-point blowout victory.
This dramatic shift has brought the series score to 2-1, with the Wolves carrying significant momentum into what promises to be a crucial Game 4 on Monday night.
“He always arrives in a good mood, always ready to go. He was one of the most optimistic voices after Game 2,” stated Finch, who had expressed confidence in his team`s mindset before the Game 3 win, despite the tough week in Oklahoma City. “The leadership [Edwards] has demonstrated this season has vastly improved. This is just another instance of it.”
Edwards wasn`t the only one whose emotional energy translated into dominant physical play during Game 3. He delivered a strong 16-point first quarter, helping the Wolves establish a 20-point lead they never relinquished.
Teammates were also watching Randle closely following his benching.
The 23-year-old Edwards approached Randle on the flight, encouraging him to stay positive. Although Randle was disappointed with the decision, the 11-year veteran understood the importance of his reaction, not only for the series but also for his relatively new role with the team.
By the time the plane landed in Minneapolis, Randle was determined to move forward.
“I`m the one who consistently emphasizes that winning is paramount, and as a competitor, you shouldn`t let your emotions override what`s best for the team,” Randle explained. “I wanted to ensure I returned with the same attitude, whether it`s a good day or a bad day… As difficult as it can be sometimes, you have to set aside your ego, and that`s what I strive to do. And honestly, I believe it benefits me because when I do that and immerse myself in the team, I`m able to come back and play effectively.”
According to both men, Randle met with Finch on Saturday morning before the team`s shootaround. Finch explained his reasoning for the benching, and they moved past the incident.
As soon as Randle stepped onto the court, his teammates noticed his renewed focus and composed demeanor.
“Ju played a significant role in how we started this game,” said Wolves veteran point guard Mike Conley. “His pre-game mentality kind of set the tone for our approach.”
Randle arrived at the Target Center four hours before tipoff to get in extra shooting practice, aiming to improve after shooting 5-of-16 over the previous five quarters.
The only external sign of his changed mood was his pre-game music selection, switching from his usual Drake and Nipsey Hussle playlist to Young Jeezy, a choice suggested by Wolves development coach James “Flight” White.
“It was a Jeezy kind of day,” Randle commented. “I just knew I needed to grind it out (`get it out the mud`), so Flight put on Jeezy, and it got my mind right.”
After the game, Edwards had scored 30 points in 30 minutes; Randle contributed 24 points on an efficient 9-of-15 shooting; McDaniels helped limit Gilgeous-Alexander to a 4-of-13 shooting night; Reid made his first four shots, including two three-pointers, ending his slump; the Wolves were up by 31 at halftime and successfully brought themselves back into contention in the series.
“I never detected a loss of confidence in our team, just frustration,” Finch remarked. “They truly had a positive mindset after these past few days. That made a significant difference.”