Tonight, the Minnesota Timberwolves continued their recent winning streak, beating the Portland Trail Blazers 133-109 in a blowout. Instead of All-Star Anthony Edwards, it was Julius Randle leading the way with an outstanding offensive performance. The Timberwolves are a clear Western Conference contender, yet Randle, despite his solid play, wasn’t named an All-Star, and he made his feelings on the matter clear.

“I feel like I should have been there, but over the course of my career, I learned to focus on the things I can control,” Randle told reporters after the win. “We’ve got a great team here. We can compete at the highest level, and that’s where I choose to direct my focus.”

He didn’t feel outraged by it, especially since he had made the teams before. Over the four years when he made his three All-Star teams, Randle averaged 23.3 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 5 assists, but his status as the leader of the New York Knicks, as well as his position in the weaker Eastern Conference, also helped cement his selection.

The Western Conference is much harder to get into, and Randle seems to understand that, though, of course, not being chosen still stings. Randle also implied that he could use his snub as “a little motivation and fuel” for the season ahead, and on being asked if he used it as motivation tonight, the forward replied in one word, joking: “Maybe.”

Randle logged 41 points on an efficient 14-24 from the field, while also converting 10 of his 11 free throws and grabbing seven boards. As usual, he served as an offensive hub for the team, but tonight he seemed to be making nearly any shot he took, completely dicing apart a Blazers defense employing some of the best wing defenders in the league.

There might be some hope for Randle. Recently, upon being asked about his participation in the All-Star game, Edwards told reporters:

“I don’t know. Right now, I’m kind of banged up, so I might not be playing. But, yeah, I hope it’s competitive.”

If his teammate can’t represent the Timberwolves during All-Star weekend, the forward might be selected as a replacement. However, Randle wasn’t the only one who knew how important the milestone would’ve been for him.

Chris Finch Admits All-Star Snub Affected Julius Randle After Blazers Performance

Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch offered a glimpse into how much the accolade mattered to Julius Randle during his own interview, highlighting that this time of year brings more than just on-court pressure.

“I know he was disappointed that he wasn’t named All-Star,” Finch told reporters. “I think he took this game quite personally in that regard… Julius is a guy who plays with his heart on his sleeve. He was kind of not himself recently. He’s so important for us in so many ways.”

Finch highlighted the pressure in February that affects all players: the trade deadline, which brings speculation, and selections for All-Star appearances. Randle has dealt with both these situations before, and now, Finch doesn’t want him chasing validation.

With the Timberwolves having an inconsistent season, they need the version of him that is both steady and forceful, someone who can punish mismatches, create shots for his team, and complement Anthony Edwards without pressing.

Not being selected as an All-Star doesn’t erase his impact. If he can channel that “motivation” into the second half of the season, the Wolves may benefit more in June than Randle ever could by himself in mid-February.