Julius Randle injured Atlanta on Monday night and is preparing his way to Atlanta on March 7, likely date for the All-Star Game.
Randle recorded his 44-point Knicks record, setting a career record of 7 points out of 3 in the Knicks’ victory on Monday, 123-112, over the Hawks at the fanless Garden.
Randle accumulated his third game of 30 or more points by extending his All-Star campaign and finished one point before his career record (set by New Orleans).
Randle hit a runner with 3:30 left and then his seventh 3-point basket to take the lead to 112-107 and repel the Hawks’ return effort. Randle made 7 out of 13 out of 3 and was 14 out of 22 overall. He was a 3-point shooter in his 28% career as he entered the season.
Appearing on “The Michael Kay Show” on ESPN radio before the game, Randle said that an All-Star spot would mean “a lot, man. It is definitely a goal that I must meet when I get to the Knicks. It would be an incredible honor and it would mean a lot to me and my family. But I’m trying to keep the team first. ”
Voting for fans’ All-Star ends Tuesday.
“The most important thing is its impact on victory,” said Thibodeau. “I hope it will be recognized.”
The Knicks moved to 14-15 under their first year coach, Tom Thibodeau, and won five out of seven games. After 29 games last season, the Knicks were 7-22.
“[Thibodeau’s] attention to detail is unbelievable, ” said Randle, who had nine rebounds and five assists. “We entered games as prepared as if each game were a playoff game. That’s how good it is. He is a true transformer of culture, for sure. He held everyone accountable. We are all enjoying the process. “
One of the NBA’s least productive 3-point shooting teams, the Knicks hit 17 3-point points, the best of the season. RJ Barrett added 21 points and made two 3-point strokes in the fourth quarter.
The Knicks buried the Hawks in the first quarter, 39-28, but gave everything back – mostly on the free throw line. They found themselves losing by six in the third quarter.
Randle got 17 points in the first quarter when he got 7 out of 8 – 3 out of 4 in the 3 point range, continuing his excellent season. Scoring 39 points in that first quarter, the Knicks collected 68.2 percent – not bad for an attack that came in last in the league in points.