Without Brunson All-Star Randle leads Knicks to win 

 

By Derrel Jazz Johnson

 

The New York Knicks led most of the game, but late miscues gave the
Miami Heat a chance to steal the game at Madison Square Garden Thursday night.

Knicks have lost close games to lesser teams and with Jalen Brunson
out with a non-COVID illness, the potential for disaster was even more
apparent. But 2023 NBA All-Star Julius Randle had another solid game
with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists and RJ Barrett scored 30
and grabbed 8 rebounds as the Knicks held off the Heat 106-104.

Said Randle after the win, “it was great, we needed it,” he began.
“Especially to do it on our home court where we haven’t played as well
as we want to. They are above us in the standings and we want to
close the gap a little bit. So to do it the way we did and with our
defense, it was great tonight.”

New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau who was criticized

after the loss against the Lakers Tuesday night said, “I thought the effort was really good,”.  

“Miami has been playing really well for a while and I knew that it would be a good

test. I like the way our guys responded particularly down two starters
and you have to play well throughout in order to win.”

Randle was selected to the NBA All-Star team Thursday night.
“It is a huge honor.” he said. “There is a lot that goes into it. A
lot of trust and belief in myself from the people around me, the
organization, Leon [Rose], Wes [William Wesley], our owner James]Dolan, Thibs [coach Thibodeau], my teammates, my family, everybody.
There is a lot that goes into it.”

Thibodeau complimented Randle and his second NBA All-Star selection
in three seasons. “Just terrific, well deserved,” he said. “Thrilled for him and his
family but it’s his impact on our team and the winning part of it. The
way he has bounced back this year too says a lot about him.”

 

Unfortunately, Brunson who has made a major impact on the team, was not selected 

raising eyebrows among his teammates and around the league. Said Charles Barkley on

The TNT broadcast, “I’m kind of shocked Jalen Brunson didn’t make it.”

 

The Knicks homestand continues when they play back to back games. First up

will be the Los Angeles Clippers Saturday and then division rival Philadelphia 76ers

Sunday.