Carmelo Anthony calls out Timberwolves’ Julius Randle for quiet Spurs series

The Minnesota Timberwolves are now in a do-or-die situation after losing to the San Antonio Spurs, 126-97, in Game 5 of their second-round series in the playoffs at Frost Bank Center on Tuesday.

It was reminiscent of their defeat in Game 2, wherein the Spurs walloped them by 38 points, 133-95.

The Timberwolves will try to save their season when Game 6 returns to Target Center on Friday. They won Game 4 at home, 114-109, to tie the best-of-seven duel.

Julius Randle will have to step up, as he has been relatively quiet against the Spurs. He had 17 points on 6-of-17 shooting, including 0-of-4 from long range, in Game 5. He added 10 rebounds.

Carmelo Anthony called out Randle during the postgame show of NBA on NBC.

“Julius Randle, to me, what is wrong with him? He’s just settling. He’s settling, bro. Three straight games of 12 points when you are supposed to be the number two guy. That’s just unacceptable. I think he’s setting too much. He’s overthinking the game,” said Anthony.

"3 games straight of 12 points and you are supposed to be the #2 guy. That's just unacceptable."

Carmelo Anthony talks about Julius Randle's recent performances. pic.twitter.com/UMj7ALR3L3

— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) May 13, 2026

Anthony had iconic performances in the playoffs during his career, including leading the Denver Nuggets to the conference finals in 2009, so he definitely knows what he is talking about.

Randle is averaging 14.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists against the Spurs. He is shooting 36.6% from the field, including 21.1% from three-point territory.

The talented forward was supposed to be the second scorer after Anthony Edwards, but he has struggled figuring out the defense of San Antonio, especially when Victor Wembanyama is patrolling the paint.

Anthony’s blunt statement could serve as a wake-up call for Randle.

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