Julius Randle shaping up as Knicks' indispensable star

Knicks forward Julius Randle shoots against the Utah Jazz during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. Credit: AP/Wendell Cruz

Julius Randle had carried the Knicks for much of the night Wednesday, just as he had carried the Knicks through much of the first seven games. But as he stood with the ball in his hands late in the game, wide open just outside the three-point line, he passed on the chance to play hero.

Up three points with 3:10 remaining, Randle instead waited for Austin Rivers, who had passed him the ball, to circle behind him. He handed it off and set a pick, clearing space for Rivers to launch a three-pointer in the midst of a stretch that saw Rivers…