Despite scoring 57 points, matching the third-highest total in Knicks history, Julius Randle could not prevent his team from losing 140-134 to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday. Randle blamed himself for the crucial rebound that got away, saying that he is a results-driven person and he is upset about the loss.
Randle’s 57 points tied Richie Guerin behind the only two 60-point games in Knicks history, Carmelo Anthony’s 62 on Jan. 24, 2014, and Bernard King’s 60 on Christmas Day in 1984. He had 52 points through three quarters, surpassing his previous best of 46 points. Randle poured in a team-record 26 points in the third quarter, bringing the Knicks back into the game.
The Wolves led 109-108 after being ahead by 17 in the first half. After the win, Randle stated, “Those are legends in this game and pioneers specifically for this organization.” Randle said- “Laid the groundwork and led the way for players like myself to come behind them and be able to play the game I love and be able to go out and put on that Knicks jersey with pride.”
Randle’s final basket, a three-point play with 42 seconds remaining, cut Minnesota’s lead to 137-134, but he was beaten to a rebound by Kyle Anderson on Minnesota’s next possession, and a cutting Taurean Prince scored inside with 10.1 seconds left before Mike Conley made a free throw after Randle was called for a technical foul.
Randle was 19 for 29 from the field and 8 for 14 from the 3-point range. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau expressed his disappointment, saying that it was a shame to waste a performance like that. Randle, however, remained focused on the process and took the necessary steps to get better as a team.
While he hoped to savor his offensive performance someday, he was upset about the loss and blamed himself for not making the defensive play on a night when both teams had strong offensive performances.
The Commitment of Julius Randle to Logging Heavy Minutes and Playing Every Game Contributes to Knicks’ Success
Julius Randle, the power forward for the New York Knicks, is a strong believer in playing every game and logging heavy minutes. Despite the growing trend of load management in the NBA, Randle prefers to put in the work and be available for his team.
He believes that he has put too much into his body to cheat himself out of being on the court. Randle credits his mental freshness to having his family around and meditating regularly.
Randle has been a key player for the Knicks this season, averaging career-highs in points and rebounds while shooting at an impressive rate from beyond the arc. He has shown no signs of slowing down despite a heavy workload and has played in every game this season. Randle’s durability has been essential to the Knicks’ success this season as they continue to climb up the Eastern Conference standings.
Randle’s mindset and work ethic serve as an example to his fellow players, including Jalen Brunson, who also values availability and has played through minor injuries this season. Randle’s dedication to the game and his team has paid off, and he hopes to continue his strong performance throughout the season.
