NBA Notes: Timberwolves, Julius Randle, Spurs, Devin Vassell, Jae Crowder

Timberwolves

Things got a little pointed in Minnesota.

For maybe the first time publicly, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch took aim at Julius Randle after Friday’s loss to Portland, as detailed by Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. It came down to one thing: Rebounding.

“All we have to do is get a rebound and we can’t,” Finch said.

The Wolves gave up 18 offensive boards, including the sequence that led to Jerami Grant’s go-ahead three. Randle finished with just three defensive rebounds, and Finch made sure that did not go unnoticed.

It is not something you usually hear from him, especially when it comes to Randle. But as Krawczynski noted, Minnesota is in a tight playoff race, and the tone is starting to reflect that urgency.

Randle did not argue.

“Just gotta go get the ball,” he said.

Sometimes it really is that simple.

Spurs

The Spurs keep rolling, and now the young guys are stepping in seamlessly.

With Devin Vassell sidelined, rookie Dylan Harper made his first start and delivered, scoring 24 points on 9-of-13 shooting in a win over Indiana, per Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News.

There was some early nerves. Not much after that.

“I think he can be sharper,” coach Mitch Johnson said, while still praising Harper’s upside.

That is kind of the Spurs right now. Winning games, sitting near the top of the West, and still focused on development.

Harper sounds like he gets it. “We’re the best team in the NBA,” he said.

International

Jae Crowder is heading elsewhere.

The veteran forward has signed with Vaqueros de Bayamon in Puerto Rico, the team announced, with details relayed by Dario Skerletic of Sportando.

Crowder, 35, did not land with an NBA team this season. Now he gets a fresh start in a league that is about to tip off. Different stage. Same approach.