Randle opens up about offensive struggles in loss to Memphis.
The Minnesota Timberwolves came into Wednesday night's matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies as heavy favorites, and for good reason.
Memphis was missing seven players, including star point guard Ja Morant, center Zach Edey, and several key rotation pieces.
But the Grizzlies found a way to pull off the upset, beating the Wolves 116-110 at Target Center and snapping Minnesota's momentum after they had won six of their last seven games.
With the loss, the Timberwolves fall to 17-10 on the season, while the Grizzlies improve to 14-14 and have now won four of their last five contests.
Randle Points to Ball Movement Issues
After the game, Julius Randle didn't make excuses and took responsibility for his role in the defeat.
"I think a big thing for me is next-action basketball. Just getting into our actions and stuff like that," Randle said in his postgame press conference. "I felt like there wasn't as much movement on my part, on everybody's part. I gotta be better, and I will be."
Randle led the Timberwolves in scoring with 21 points, but it took him 21 shots to get there as he went 9-for-21 from the field and just 1-for-6 from beyond the arc.
Playing without Anthony Edwards for the third straight game due to a right foot injury, Minnesota needed Randle to step up and carry the load, but former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. made life difficult for him all night long.
Jackson dominated on both ends of the floor, finishing with 28 points on 10-of-18 shooting along with 12 rebounds and three blocks.
The Memphis big man's length and physicality bothered Randle throughout the contest, forcing tough shots and contested looks at the rim.
Offense Stalls in Second Half
The Timberwolves shot a respectable 40 percent from the floor in the first half and looked poised to take care of business, but the second half was a different story.
Minnesota's ball movement dried up completely as the team managed just eight assists compared to eight turnovers over the final 24 minutes.
They shot 7-for-23 in the third quarter and 8-for-23 in the fourth.
Donte DiVincenzo posted a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Rudy Gobert added 16 points and 16 boards. Naz Reid also chipped in 16 points off the bench.
But the collective shooting woes proved too much to overcome, as the Wolves finished 13-for-44 from three-point range and 19-for-27 from the free throw line.
Jock Landale was the unlikely hero for Memphis, knocking down a career-high four three-pointers on his way to 20 points and 10 rebounds.
His triple with 3:22 remaining pushed the Grizzlies' lead to five and effectively sealed the win.
The Timberwolves now turn their attention to Friday's matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, who own the best record in the Western Conference.
Minnesota will need Edwards back in the lineup and better offensive execution if they hope to keep pace in a crowded Western Conference.