The New York Knicks continued their impressive performance, even potentially facing the absence of Julius Randle. Jalen Brunson shone with 32 points and eight assists, leading the Knicks to a 125-109 victory over the Miami Heat during Saturday’s NBA action.
Julius Randle contributed 19 points and nine rebounds. Still, he exited the game with over four minutes left due to an apparent right shoulder injury after a collision with Jaime Jaquez Jr. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau indicated that Randle’s condition was being assessed, with no further information available immediately.
“You knew like for him to do that, like, he’s a guy who plays through things and that’s what we love about him,” Thibodeau said. “He’s a warrior and so any time someone walks back, you know it’s something.”
The situation seemed serious as Randle, known for his resilience, had to leave the game abruptly. Thibodeau praised Randle’s toughness, acknowledging the severity of the situation given Randle’s decision to exit.
“You don’t want to see that from anybody, especially the way he’s been playing and he means a lot to us,” Brunson said of Randle. “So for him to go back there obviously it’s not ideal, but like I said, once we figure out what’s wrong we’ll go from there.”
During the game, Brunson played a pivotal role, especially in the fourth quarter, where he helped the Knicks surge ahead with a 13-3 run. His three-pointer further extended the lead, exciting the home crowd. OG Anunoby, another key player for the Knicks, scored 19 points. With Randle’s potential absence, Anunoby might assume a larger role in the team.
Jimmy Butler scored 28 points for the Miami Heat, and the team welcomed Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kevin Love back from injuries and illness, respectively. Despite their efforts, including a comeback to tie the game in the third quarter, the Heat faltered in the fourth, largely due to turnovers and defensive lapses.
The Knicks’ performance in the fourth quarter was particularly notable, with a 72% shooting success rate, while the Heat struggled with turnovers and defense. New York had previously led by 13 points in the third quarter, but the Heat managed to tie the game, only for the Knicks to regain the lead at the buzzer.
“Our turnovers for the game were okay, but it felt like we had probably four or five big ones in that fourth quarter, and then defensively, I don’t remember us getting a stop,” Spoelstra said.
Injuries also affected the Knicks, with center Isaiah Hartenstein returning from a two-game absence due to an Achilles tendon injury.
Looking ahead, the Heat are set to host the Phoenix Suns, while the Knicks will face the Charlotte Hornets, both games scheduled for Monday night.
