Randle Day To Day After Ankle Injury
By Samori Benjamin
Without their iron man, the New York Knicks maintained and got a much-needed win against a conference foe who were trying to creep into their rearview. But after their convincing 101-92 win over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night the Knicks now have a four-game lead over Miami for the #5 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs which would give them a more favorable matchup opposed to if they finished below the fifth seed.
Power Forward Julius Randle, who has made the All-Star team two of the past three seasons, sprained his ankle in the second quarter and was not able to return for the rest of the game. Randle leads the team in points and rebounds and had not missed a game all season going into the contest. The Knicks however welcomed back point guard Jalen Brunson from a two-game absence and he scored 12 points in 30 minutes. His backup Immanuel Quickley came off the bench to score 24 points and starting shooting guard Quentin Grimes finished with 23 points.
Coach Thibodeau knows that guys have to step up until their All-Star makes it back. “We just went through it with Jalen, so it’s the same thing,” he said after the game. “And we play some individually, but you do have to do it collectively, so we understand where we are, and what we have to do.”
The Knicks travel to Cleveland Cavaliers Friday night and host the Washington Wizards Sunday night.
