Julius Randle

From gaudy box score numbers to the celebrations that follow, talents across the NBA are seldom shy in providing proof of how adept they are at getting a step or two ahead of their competition. In building what had become a week defined by his excellence in crunchtime, Minnesota Timberwolves star Julius Randle picked a most creative, literal way of leaving his evidence behind. Two nights before burying a game-winner on his home floor, Randle prepares himself for the role of crowd-silencer, putting perseverance to the test during a physical, testy drive against Trey Lyles’ resistance. Eventually barreling his way into a favorable spot with his strong hand, Randle — losing a shoe, but winning the battle that truly mattered — balances into a go-ahead bucket, ultimately sealing victory in OT on November 15, 2024. Forced to kick things into overdrive after a 60-point rebuttal from the Sacramento Kings’ All-Star guard, Randle was top-tier himself, recording 26 points, four rebounds, five assists, one steal, and two 3-pointers.