Julius Randle Leads Timberwolves Past Pacers After Anthony Edwards Exits Early

The excitement surrounding Minnesota’s home opener took an abrupt turn when Anthony Edwards left the game in the first quarter with tightness in his right hamstring. What began as a celebratory night for the Timberwolves quickly shifted into a test of resilience — and Julius Randle answered that call.

Randle poured in 31 points on 11-of-18 shooting, adding six assists in 39 minutes to help Minnesota hold off the short-handed Indiana Pacers. His performance steadied the Timberwolves offense, particularly in the fourth quarter when the Pacers cut the lead to just two points.

“It was outstanding,” head coach Chris Finch said of Randle’s performance. “We just put the ball in his hands and trusted him to create. He put a lot of pressure on their defense and stayed composed down the stretch.”

The 114–110 victory gave the Timberwolves an early 2–0 record, but Edwards’ health quickly became the story of the night. The All-Star guard left after only three minutes and did not return, with the team offering no immediate update.

1. Finding Balance Without Their Star

Edwards’ absence tested the Timberwolves’ offensive balance, but Randle’s steady hand kept the game in control. Minnesota’s ball movement and spacing improved as players adjusted, finding rhythm in drive-and-kick opportunities and quick post touches for Randle. “Julius is such a good teammate,” said guard Jaylen Clark. “He knows when to find us, he knows how to attack, and he makes the game easier for everyone.” Randle’s leadership stood out in Edwards’ absence, especially given his own adjustment period last season. The former All-NBA forward arrived in Minnesota just before training camp last year in a blockbuster trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to New York. His transition was rocky at first, but a midseason groin injury gave him time to reflect on how to better fit within Chris Finch’s offensive schemes. “I’m just trying to be quicker and more decisive,” Randle said. “When teams double in the post, I want to make sure I’m finding open guys and keeping the ball moving.”

2. A Tough Win Against an Undermanned Pacers Squad

Indiana entered the night missing several key players, including Tyrese Haliburton, but stayed competitive behind a balanced scoring attack. The Pacers closed the gap late in the fourth quarter, only for Minnesota to rely once again on Randle’s ability to create shots in isolation. Naz Reid provided a crucial spark off the bench with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Donte DiVincenzo added key defensive stops to help preserve the lead. Minnesota shot efficiently from the field but leaned heavily on its veterans to maintain composure once Edwards exited. The Timberwolves’ ability to close out tight games has been a point of emphasis this season, and Sunday’s performance reflected progress in that area. The team executed in half-court sets, limited turnovers, and made timely defensive plays despite a late push from Indiana. “The difference tonight was our poise,” Finch said. “Even when things got tight, we trusted our reads. That’s growth for us.”

3. Looking Ahead With Edwards’ Status Uncertain

While the victory was encouraging, Minnesota’s focus quickly shifted to Edwards’ health. The 23-year-old All-Star has been one of the league’s most durable young players, appearing in 426 of a possible 445 games, including playoffs. His early exit raised concern ahead of Monday’s matchup against defending champion Denver. Edwards had been listed as questionable earlier in the week with back spasms but still managed to score 41 points in Wednesday’s season opener in Portland. This latest setback, however, prompted the team to proceed with caution. “Having Ant is a luxury, but I think he’ll be all right,” said Reid. “He’s tough — we’ve seen him bounce back before.” Minnesota’s next 48 hours will determine how serious the injury is and whether the team will need to lean more heavily on Randle and its supporting cast in the short term.