Detailing the Historical Statistical Significance of the Julius Randle Scoring Burst in Knicks vs Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves secured a significant 115 104 victory over the New York Knicks on Tuesday December 23 2025 behind a dominant late game performance from Julius Randle. Facing his former team at Target Center Randle overcame a slow start to deliver a decisive scoring burst in the final period that effectively stifled a spirited Knicks comeback. The win improves Minnesota’s record to 20 10 and marks their tenth victory in the last twelve games. While Anthony Edwards led all scorers for the Timberwolves with 38 points it was Randle’s resurgence in the final twelve minutes that ensured the Minnesota crowd left the arena celebrating a season sweep of the shorthanded visitors from New York.
The impact of Randle’s performance was most visible during a three minute stretch in the fourth quarter where he scored 15 consecutive points for the Timberwolves. After shooting just 3 for 11 through the first three quarters Randle finished the night with 25 points and repeatedly flexed for the home crowd as he bullied his way to the rim against the Knicks secondary defenders. His interior scoring provided a much needed balance to the perimeter brilliance of Edwards who recorded 15 field goals on 27 attempts. For the Knicks the absence of star point guard Jalen Brunson and defensive anchor OG Anunoby eventually took its toll despite a heroic 40 point homecoming performance from Karl Anthony Towns who fouled out in the final minute.
Reactions to the game centered on the emotional stakes of the blockbuster trade that sent Towns to New York in exchange for Randle and Donte DiVincenzo last season. Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch praised Randle’s mental toughness noting that the veteran stayed aggressive despite his early shooting struggles. On the opposing side Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau expressed frustration with the team’s fourth quarter defensive lapses but highlighted the play of rookie Tyler Kolek. Making his first career NBA start in place of Brunson Kolek finished with a career high 20 points 11 rebounds and 8 assists proving that the Knicks depth remains a strength even during a short handed road stretch.
Strategically the Timberwolves utilized Rudy Gobert’s interior presence to limit New York’s secondary scoring options. Gobert recorded 11 points and 16 rebounds anchoring a defense that forced the Knicks into several contested jumpers late in the game. By focusing their defensive attention on Towns in the closing minutes Minnesota forced the Knicks’ bench players to make difficult plays allowing Randle to exploit mismatches on the offensive end during the transition.
Looking at the future outlook the Timberwolves will travel to Denver for a marquee Christmas Day matchup against the Nuggets. The Knicks will return to Madison Square Garden to host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday afternoon as part of the NBA’s five game holiday slate. As both teams remain firmly in the playoff hunt this December clash serves as a potential preview of a high stakes postseason series. For Julius Randle the victory provides a personal milestone in his new home as he continues to prove his value as a cornerstone of the Minnesota rotation.