Julius Randle Scores 27 in Timberwolves’ 125-113 Loss to Denver

julius randle scored 27 points, but Minnesota still fell 125-113 to Denver in Game 5 on Monday. He led the Timberwolves in scoring, yet the loss put more pressure on the rest of the roster to produce when the series resumes Thursday.

Randle Leads Minnesota

Randle added nine rebounds, six assists and one steal in 32 minutes. He went 8-of-15 from the field, 2-of-4 from 3-point range and 9-of-11 from the free throw line, giving Minnesota its most efficient scoring night in a game that still slipped away.

That output stood out because Minnesota’s other starters finished below their usual levels. Rudy Gobert had just three points, and the gap in offensive support left Randle carrying the scoring load against Denver’s balanced attack.

Denver's Response

Nikola Jokic delivered a triple-double for Denver, and Minnesota could not keep him from controlling the game. After the Timberwolves had handled the Nuggets well earlier in the series, Game 5 swung the other way at a time when Minnesota needed a cleaner defensive effort.

The 125-113 result leaves Minnesota needing the same kind of scoring from Randle and more from the starting five if it wants to close out the series on Thursday. His line was enough to keep the Wolves competitive, but not enough to offset Denver’s production at the other end.