Julius Randle was a key to the Timberwolves' victory against the Pelicans, and Chris Finch gave him his flowers.

T imberwolves head coach Chris Finch was pleased with Julius Randle's performance in Minnesota's win over the Pelicans on Tuesday night. Randle, who has been the subject of plenty

After Edwards shot the 3 with time winding down, Julius Randle could be seen on ESPN's cameras making his way towards the locker room. A review had held up the final inbounds play, but Randle was already on his way out of the tunnel, and he's been the subject of criticism for his early exit and body language during crunch time in Wednesday's game.

Julius Randle has been under fire for much of this season. That was easy to see coming. Randle was the immediate replacement for Karl-Anthony Towns, a pillar of the Timberwolves’ organization

Friday night marked Randle’s first game back at Madison Square Garden since the Knicks traded him and Donte DiVincenzo to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the three-team blockbuster that brought center Karl-Anthony Towns to New York.

Randle played a secondary role in the Timberwolves’ 116-99 win, taking a backseat in the spotlight as Anthony Edwards dazzled with 36 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists.

Julius Randle has been under fire for much of this ... But an all-star under attack has found a shield in the form of his head coach. Chris Finch has consistently lauded Randle’s abilities ...

Chris Finch has consistently lauded Randle’s abilities and efforts this season. He dove deeper into the subject when speaking to reporters Tuesday after the team’s win over New Orleans.

The Wolves had the defenders in Edwards, Alexander-Walker and Jaden McDaniels to seemingly wear down New York’s star point guard Jalen Brunson. Outside of an unexpected 18-point, first-half explosion from Cam Payne, the Knicks found no real consistent offense throughout the evening.

There was no Villanova reunion. There was no anticipated spat with Rick Brunson to keep an eye on. Former fans didn’t have the chance to watch him play on the Garden floor during what has been a hot streak for the Delaware native.

Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Julius Randle appears to be frustrated, and this could mark the beginning of the end of his time in Minnesota.