Knicks stay hot, but still have a Julius Randle problem
That Julius Randle problem persists. Last season’ s All-Star was benched for most of the fourth quarter, following an ugly performance that had MSG fans alternating boos for Randle and chants for his replacement, Obi Toppin. After he was subbed back in late, Randle didn’ t take a field goal in the final 3:30, wandering around the court or standing in a corner, as RJ...
The Knicks won again Monday night, continuing their too-little, too-late surge to end the season, but there was nothing about Julius Randle’s demeanor to suggest joy.
His night ended in anger, or frustration, or some other negative emotion, with a dismissive ball toss at the final buzzer and a beeline off the court, without partaking in the customary hugs and hand-shakes.
That Julius Randle problem persists.
It was on full display in Monday’s 109-104 victory over the Bulls, and taken to a new level with Randle turning into a spectator down the stretch. Last season’s All-Star was benched for most of the fourth quarter, following an ugly performance that had MSG fans alternating boos for Randle and chants for his replacement, Obi Toppin. After he was subbed back in late, Randle didn’t take a field goal in the final 3:30, wandering around the court or standing in a corner, as RJ Barrett and Alec Burks carried the load.
He did not address the media after the game, and Tom Thibodeau again talked around Randle’s obvious frustration. The coach also gave Randle credit for playing while hurting, with the context being the contused quad that kept the power forward out of two games last week.
“Look, a lot of guys probably wouldn’t be playing,” Thibodeau said. “He wants to play. I’ve got great respect for that. Give us what you can. If you can’t play, I still want you to give us what you can. Be on the bench, be into the game, encourage the young guys, talk to them, talk the things you see, communicate. Everyone put their focus into helping the team win. That’s where I want it to be.”
But Randle wasn’t much of a cheerleader on the bench. He also played the previous night and started Monday, finishing with a paltry stat line: 28 minutes, five points, 1-for-9 shooting. Randle didn’t score in the first half on four shots and turned frustrated in the third quarter, directing anger to his familiar target — the officiating crew. As the crowd chanted for Toppin, Randle picked up a technical for complaining to the ref with three minutes remaining in the third. It represented his 12th technical of the season, a career high.
Toppin was quickly subbed in and the crowd cheered. Randle then spent the next 11 minutes at the end of the bench with a towel draped around his shoulders.
In a meaningless end to a disappointing season, this is all relevant because Randle begins a four-year max extension next season. He has warred with the fanbase and it’s difficult to envision how a marriage can last in this environment.
The Knicks, meanwhile, continue to succeed with Barrett running the show. They’ve won nine of their last 13 games, but failed to gain ground in the play-in race because Atlanta beat the Pacers. It’s still 4 ½ games out for Thibodeau’s squad, with just eight games remaining.
“We just kind of found our rhythm,” Barrett said. “Found it late, but found it, nonetheless.”
At the very least, the Knicks’ post All-Star game rise provides evidence Thibodeau has kept his team engaged and deserves to return next season.
But the Randle question is more difficult to answer.
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