Knicks All-Star Julius Randle missed Game 1 of New York’s second-round series with Miami on Sunday due to an ankle sprain. Here’s what you need to know:
- The Heat defeated the Knicks 108-101 behind Jimmy Butler’s 25 points and 11 rebounds. New York was led by RJ Barrett and Jalen Brunson, who combined for 51 points.
- Randle played all five games of New York’s first-round series win over Cleveland, averaging 14.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game in the five contests.
- The two-time All-Star exited Game 5 in the second quarter with a sprained left ankle and didn’t return. He recorded 13 points, four rebounds and six assists before leaving.
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
How could the Knicks fill in for Randle?
Obi Toppin started the second half of Game 5 against the Cavaliers after Randle re-rolled his ankle. This means another opportunity for him. But Toppin isn’t the only guy who will fill in for the Knicks’ sole All-Star, even if he is the one conventional power forward remaining in the rotation.
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Coach Tom Thibodeau has shown he has no problem using Josh Hart at the four, even closing games with him in moments — including during that Game 5 against the Cavs. Barrett has played small-ball four in some reserve lineups, too. — Katz
What are the Knicks losing with Randle out?
They’re losing 25 points and 10 rebounds, but even more so, they’re losing an outlet for Brunson, the leader of their offense. The Heat will gang up on Brunson throughout this series, just as Cleveland tried to do. The Knicks point guard rarely fights double-teams. Instead, he looks for the open man, hoping that player will be able to attack.
When the ball is in the hands of a healthy Randle, especially once he has an advantage because two defenders are stuck to Brunson, New York can create open looks. He can attack the rim or find shooters on the outside. Maybe he gets an open 3, himself. Now, other outlets will have to step up. With Randle clearly hobbled for most of the Cavs series, Barrett took on that role with force, especially over Games 3 through 5. — Katz
Backstory
The Knicks and Heat each advanced to the second round behind a pair of first-round upsets. The No. 5 seed Knicks took down the No. 4 Cavaliers, while the No. 8 Heat shocked the No. 1 Bucks.
Randle made his second All-Star team in 2023, averaging a career-high 25.1 points per game to go with 10.0 rebounds on 45.9 percent shooting.
Brunson led the Knicks in scoring in the first round, averaging 24.0 points per game.
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(Photo: David Richard / USA Today)