Julius Randle wasn't known as a strong playoff performer before arriving in Minnesota this season. He's changed that reputation with the Timberwolves.

Julius Randle’s leap from the Knicks to Timberwolves highlights how a change of scenery can bring out his best.

Julius Randle led his Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night, scoring 28 points and eight rebounds against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Yet, it wasn’t enough, and the T-Wolves fell to the Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

Did he know it then? In his first NBA game? When the rookie drove to the hoop and there was a “pop” sound, followed by his foot collapsing beneath him?

Stephen A. Smith says Julius Randle is key to the Timberwolves’ success as they prepare to face the Thunder in the Western Conference Finals.

This postseason, Randle shined against the Lakers, who drafted him No. 7 overall in 2014 and let him walk in free agency four years later. Randle handled the primary matchup with LeBron James and averaged 22.6 points per game in a five-game series win over Los Angeles in the first round.