The Wolves are counting on Randle and the players to get the win after Edwards went out early

Minnesota’s home opener hype lost some steam when Anthony Edwards exited early.

Julius Randle has taken over the Timberwolves team brilliantly.

“It was great,” coach Chris Finch said after the game. “He just got the ball in his hands and felt confident he was going to get a clean look.” Win 114-110 On the injury-ravaged Indiana Pacers. “They put a lot of pressure on their midfield. It was kind of quiet.”

Edwards left with right hamstring tightness, and the team quickly announced he would not return. Finch did not provide any update on his condition after that. Edwards, a three-time All-Star who just started his sixth season, has played in 426 of a possible 445 games, including the playoffs, in his career.

Randle scored 31 points on 11-for-18 shooting with six assists in 39 minutes Sunday night, making sure the Timberwolves didn’t slide down the stretch.

“He’s a really good teammate, man. He knows when to find us. He knows how to get to the rack. He takes shots at a high level, and you just know what you’re going to get with him every night,” reserve guard Jaylen Clark said.

It took Randle some time to find his footing last season with the Timberwolves after the surprise trade before training camp sent him and Donte DiVincenzo to Minnesota for franchise starter Karl-Anthony Towns, but during a 13-game absence in February due to a strained groin, he saw the offense in a new light and made some meaningful mental steps toward figuring out how he and his teammates could improve. They thrive best with the ball with him on the pitch. floor.

“I think the guys do a great job, when I collaborate in the position, and they find the space,” Randle said. “Just things like that. I think the most important thing is to be quick and decisive and not keep the ball too much.”

Edwards converted a tough layup in traffic off a fast break with 3:07 gone in the game, making a tough call before looking for a foul call to no avail. The Pacers called timeout one second later, and Bones Hyland replaced Edwards during the break.

Edwards was listed as questionable with back spasms to play in Minnesota’s season opener in Portland on Wednesday night, when he had 41 points in 39 minutes.

The Timberwolves were facing a short turnaround heading into their game against the Denver Nuggets on Monday night.

“It’s a luxury to have Ant, but I think he’ll be OK. I think he’ll play tomorrow,” said Naz Reid, who had 16 points and 10 rebounds. “We’ve seen him do this many times before.”