Julius Randle
The Minnesota Timberwolves returned to the floor Sunday night under difficult circumstances, playing their first game since a fatal shooting in Minneapolis led to a one-day postponement. The result was a 111-85 loss to the Golden State Warriors, but the final score only told part of the story, especially for Julius Randle.
The game, originally scheduled for Saturday, was delayed following the shooting death of ICU nurse Alex Pretti. When the teams finally tipped off Sunday, the atmosphere inside Target Center reflected the weight of the moment.
After the loss, Timberwolves forward Julius Randle spoke candidly about how the events in Minneapolis have affected him personally.
“Regardless of politics, there’s a human aspect to it,” Randle said. “For me, I have kids, I have family. The job as a man is to be the protector of the house. You see things like that and it’s tough. It’s hard to stomach.”
Randle paused multiple times as he continued, reflecting on his connection to the city and community.
“From the minute I’ve been here, Minneapolis has been great for me,” he said. “The fans, the community, my neighbors, the school my son goes to, it’s been nothing but a joy since I’ve been here. So it’s tough.”
Andrew Dukowitz
Julius Randle on how the turmoil in Minnesota and Minneapolis has affected him
“Regardless of politics, there’s a human aspect to it, for me I have kids, I have family, for me the job as a man is to be the protector of the house. You see things like that and obviously, it’s
Somber Setting Surrounds Timberwolves Return
Golden State head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the emotional weight felt by both teams during Sunday’s contest, Reuters reports. Kerr described the game as one of the most difficult environments he has experienced.
“Honestly, what I felt was that their group was suffering,” Kerr told reporters. “It was one of the most bizarre, sad games I’ve ever been a part of. You could feel the somber atmosphere.”
Kerr said the Warriors sensed the toll the past few days had taken on Minnesota’s players and the surrounding community.
“Their team, we could tell they were struggling with everything that’s been going on,” he said. “What the city has been through, it was a very sad night.”
Before tipoff, the arena observed a moment of silence for Pretti. The crowd remained subdued throughout the game as the Timberwolves struggled to find rhythm on offense.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 26 points, seven assists, and four steals as Golden State recorded a season-high 20 steals, per ESPN. Moses Moody added 19 points and eight rebounds, while Brandin Podziemski chipped in 12 points and six assists. The win marked Golden State’s fifth straight road victory.
Randle’s Night Reflects Broader Struggles
On the court, Randle finished with 11 points on 3-of-11 shooting, including 0-of-4 from three-point range, per CSB Sports. He added five rebounds, six assists, three steals, and one block in 35 minutes. It marked his lowest scoring output since late November, despite strong all-around contributions.
The performance stood in contrast to Randle’s productive January, during which he entered Sunday averaging over 22 points per game while providing consistent playmaking and defensive activity.
Minnesota’s offense never recovered after falling behind early, and the team finished with its lowest point total in more than four years. It was also the first time the Timberwolves were held under 100 points this season. Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 32 points and 11 rebounds, but little else came easily for the home team.
Following the game, Kerr emphasized empathy over results as both teams prepare to meet again Monday.
“We are just praying for the city and the people here,” Kerr said. “We’re very appreciative of the hospitality they’ve shown us during a difficult time.”
For Randle, the night underscored how events away from basketball can shape everything that happens on the floor.
“When somebody loses their life,” he said, “you never want to see that.”