The New York Knicks are on the brink of ending their season early. The Miami Heat beat the Knicks in a scrappy battle to take a 3-1 lead in the series. Expectedly, Jimmy Butler led the way for the Vice City with another sublime performance in these playoffs. However, tonight it seemed like Miami had an answer for everything the Knicks threw and more. After the game, Knicks All-Star Julius Randle didn’t seem to be in the spirit and even let out a rather shocking claim.
The Knicks will now have to pull something history shows is close to impossible, the grueling 1-3 comeback. Looking at Randle’s concerning response, it seems New York could have greater problems.
Julius Randle doubts the Knicks after the loss to Jimmy Butler?
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The New York Knicks is known for its physicality, hustle, and clawing every possession. It was the formula that helped them beat Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers but tonight the roles seemed reversed. The Miami Heat beat them in with hustle. Vice City got for offensive rebounds and loose balls, something the Knicks pride themselves on. After the game, Julius Randle didn’t seem happy with his team’s performance. When asked about their efforts, his answer rang the alarm bells.
“Maybe they want it more, I dunno,” said the Knicks forward. “That’s been who we are all year. We gotta find a way to step up & make those plays if we wanna keep this season alive.”?
"Maybe they want it more, I dunno. That's been who we are all year. We gotta find a way to step up & make those plays if we wanna keep this season alive.
"…Look within…How bad do you want it?"
— Julius Randle on the Heat getting more offensive rebounds & loose balls pic.twitter.com/ux7FkZq1Qj
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) May 9, 2023
The Heat got five more offensive rebounds than the Knicks. The extra possessions ultimately hurt New York who lost 101-109. Jalen Brunson scored a game-high 32 points combined with 11 assists. Randle and RJ Barrett complimented his performance scoring 44 points amongst each other.
Jimmy Butler came out pouring in 27 points, 6 rebounds, 10 assists 2 steals, and 2 blocks on the Knicks. Heat Center Bam Adebayo had one of his best playoff games this season scoring 23 to go with his 13 rebounds. They got valuable contributions from both veterans, Kevin Love and Kyle Lowry.
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Yet it came down to the small details. Miami won due to their obsession and daunting effort with each possession. As the series heads back to Madison Square Garden, a mammoth task awaits the Knicks. Is it still possible? Yes, even though the odds are thin, the Knicks can turn things around and Randle gave them the recipe to find the way.
“Look within?How bad do you want it?” said the 26-year-old.
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Do you think the Knicks can pull off the unimaginable? Let us know in the comments below.