Julius Randle of the Knicks reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Pacers at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday. Credit: Jim McIsaac
Julius Randle was back on the court Tuesday, cleared of COVID protocols and in the starting lineup as the Knicks readied to take on the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden. And in his two-game absence, the Knicks provided a reminder just how important he is to the team.
Whether it was the return of their star to ease the burden on the rest of the team or simply good timing, catching the Pacers with a shorthanded roster, Randle was back leading the Knicks on the court and igniting a celebration when he hit a three-point jumper with just over three minutes left, stretching the lead safely to its biggest margin since early in the second quarter.