Results for: Julius Randle

Despite earning the second seed in the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks’ title hopes have been dealt a major blow with the season-ending injury to Julius Randle. Key injuries to Randle, Mitchell Robinson, and OG Anunoby have weakened the Knicks’ defensive identity and forced Jalen Brunson to carry an unfair burden. Despite a strong start to their playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers, experts argue that the Knicks’ weakened roster could prove too much to overcome, potentially preventing them from advancing past the second round.

New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau was conspicuously absent from the Coach of the Year finalists, a decision that has left his players and the team questioning the validity of the selection process. Despite guiding the Knicks to a 50-32 record and the second seed in the Eastern Conference while navigating a season plagued by injuries, Thibodeau was overlooked in favor of Mark Daigneault, Chris Finch, and Jamahl Mosley.

In the opening game of their Eastern Conference first-round series, the New York Knicks emerged victorious over the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite missing injured star Julius Randle, the Knicks relied on a stellar performance from Josh Hart, who scored 22 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Hart’s exceptional perimeter shooting, connecting on 50% of his shots from the three-point line, proved crucial in giving the Knicks a spacing advantage. The Knicks now have an opportunity to take control of the series, but will need their role players, including Hart, to maintain their high level of play.