Julius Randle played point forward, grabbing rebounds and speed-dribbling up court.
Donte DiVincenzo came off the bench oozing energy and launching three-pointers, instantly becoming a crowd favorite.
Joe Ingles came off the bench to throw passes and take charges anywhere between the basket and the arena entrance.
Coming off a season that made Target Center the place to be during a Minnesota winter, the three veteran Timberwolves’ newcomers introduced themselves to their new home arena on Saturday night, in the Wolves’ 112-101 victory over Toronto.
We may not be able to accurately judge the Wolves’ trade of Karl-Anthony Towns for Randle and DiVincenzo until we see the results of the playoffs. In terms of first impressions, the new guys impressed at first.
Randle produced 24 points, nine rebounds and five assists. DiVincenzo produced 16 points, two rebounds and two assists off the bench. Ingles had four assists in six minutes.
After watching the newcomers and listening to Randle and DiVincenzo speak after the game, what struck me was their intelligence. They spoke like coaches who understand the importance of cutting and quick passing.
Randle, in particular, raved about the reception he has received in Minnesota, “even in restaurants.”