By Derrel Jazz Johnson
The New York Knicks had a victory over the Chicago Bulls wrapped up under the Christmas tree like a present ready to be opened on Christmas Day. But missed free throws and missed opportunities to secure defensive rebounds led the team to lose a close one to the Chicago Bulls, 118-117.
Both Quentin Grimes and Jalen Brunson missed a pair of free throws in the final 66 seconds of the game, inexcusable in a one-point loss.
RJ Barrett had 44 points on only 20 field goal attempts and had 29 points and 12 rebounds. Randle discussed the tough loss after the game.
“I put a lot on myself too, because those are two chances at the end of the game for me to
go get rebounds, and we wouldn’t have even been in that position,” Randle said. “I put it on myself. I’ve got to be able to do that for my team.”
Randle talked about the spectacular performance by Randle.
“Yeah, I mean, he’s finding his rhythm,” he said. “Being aggressive, playing within the flow of our offense, attacking, and just being RJ.
We’ve seen it before, and this is what he does.”
Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau praised Barrett’s performance.
“He’s been playing really well for us,” he said. “It’s a shame we didn’t pull out the win.”
The Knicks kick off the slate of Christmas day games by hosting the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden. Tip off is at noon.
