Julius Randle delivered a standout performance in Game 3 of the Western Conference playoffs, scoring **22 points** to help the Minnesota Timberwolves secure a **116-104 victory** over the Los Angeles Lakers and take a **2-1 series lead** [A](https://www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-wildcats/news/bbnba-julius-randle-drops-22-to-help-wolves-take-2-1-lead-on-lakers/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJiNHpNQ0V2dU4xbjRTUlJIMnAydkUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiRDhNTGlqeFhHS2Yxa281Nmpib2pwIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm9uMy5jb21cL3RlYW1zXC9rZW50dWNreS13aWxkY2F0c1wvbmV3c1wvYmJuYmEtanVsaXVzLXJhbmRsZS1kcm9wcy0yMi10by1oZWxwLXdvbHZlcy10YWtlLTItMS1sZWFkLW9uLWxha2Vyc1wvIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His impact on the court was undeniable, but his decision off the court made just as many headlines—Randle has committed to **Brigham Young University (BYU)**, a move that has sparked excitement among basketball fans and analysts alike.
### **Randle’s Game 3 Performance**
Randle’s **6-for-13 shooting** combined with **9-for-10 free throws** showcased his efficiency [B](https://www.si.com/nba/timberwolves/minnesota-timberwolves-news/anthony-edwards-tells-julius-randle-to-shoot-more-we-need-him-to-take-like-10-more-shots?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJiNHpNQ0V2dU4xbjRTUlJIMnAydkUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiRDhNTGlqeFhHS2Yxa281Nmpib2pwIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvbmJhXC90aW1iZXJ3b2x2ZXNcL21pbm5lc290YS10aW1iZXJ3b2x2ZXMtbmV3c1wvYW50aG9ueS1lZHdhcmRzLXRlbGxzLWp1bGl1cy1yYW5kbGUtdG8tc2hvb3QtbW9yZS13ZS1uZWVkLWhpbS10by10YWtlLWxpa2UtMTAtbW9yZS1zaG90cyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). He also contributed **five rebounds, four assists, and a steal**, proving his versatility [A](https://www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-wildcats/news/bbnba-julius-randle-drops-22-to-help-wolves-take-2-1-lead-on-lakers/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJiNHpNQ0V2dU4xbjRTUlJIMnAydkUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiRDhNTGlqeFhHS2Yxa281Nmpib2pwIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm9uMy5jb21cL3RlYW1zXC9rZW50dWNreS13aWxkY2F0c1wvbmV3c1wvYmJuYmEtanVsaXVzLXJhbmRsZS1kcm9wcy0yMi10by1oZWxwLXdvbHZlcy10YWtlLTItMS1sZWFkLW9uLWxha2Vyc1wvIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His teammate **Anthony Edwards**, who led the Wolves with **29 points**, praised Randle’s performance but encouraged him to take even more shots, emphasizing his importance to the team’s offensive strategy [B](https://www.si.com/nba/timberwolves/minnesota-timberwolves-news/anthony-edwards-tells-julius-randle-to-shoot-more-we-need-him-to-take-like-10-more-shots?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJiNHpNQ0V2dU4xbjRTUlJIMnAydkUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiRDhNTGlqeFhHS2Yxa281Nmpib2pwIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvbmJhXC90aW1iZXJ3b2x2ZXNcL21pbm5lc290YS10aW1iZXJ3b2x2ZXMtbmV3c1wvYW50aG9ueS1lZHdhcmRzLXRlbGxzLWp1bGl1cy1yYW5kbGUtdG8tc2hvb3QtbW9yZS13ZS1uZWVkLWhpbS10by10YWtlLWxpa2UtMTAtbW9yZS1zaG90cyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
The Timberwolves’ victory was crucial in shifting momentum in the series. With Randle and Edwards leading the charge, Minnesota now holds the advantage heading into Game 4. If Randle continues his strong play, the Wolves could push the Lakers to the brink of elimination.
### **BYU Lands a Star**
While Randle’s on-court heroics were impressive, his commitment to **BYU** has added another layer to his growing legacy. BYU has been making strides in recruiting top talent, and securing Randle is a major win for the program. His decision to join BYU signals confidence in their development system and coaching staff.
Randle’s skill set—his ability to score efficiently, rebound effectively, and facilitate plays—makes him a valuable addition to BYU’s roster. His experience playing at a high level in the NBA will undoubtedly bring leadership and maturity to the team.
### **What’s Next?**
As the Timberwolves prepare for Game 4, all eyes will be on Randle to see if he can maintain his momentum. His ability to perform under pressure will be key in determining whether Minnesota can extend their lead in the series. Meanwhile, BYU fans eagerly anticipate his arrival, hoping he will elevate their program to new heights.
Randle’s journey—from shining in the playoffs to committing to BYU—marks an exciting chapter in his career. Whether on the NBA court or in college basketball, his impact is undeniable, and his future looks brighter than ever.
