Julius Randle and the New York Knicks cruised to a comfortable victory against the Raptors on Saturday night. The 2000-strong Madison Square Garden crowd knew that they were witnessing something extraordinary. Their beloved team, after all these years, has stitched together a run of form which is unparalleled by any other franchise in the league.
With this win, the Knicks recorded their ninth straight victory. They are on a scintillating streak and have shown no signs of relent in their crusade. Critics and analysts have touted this side as the best Knicks team in many years.
Amidst all this excitement and elation surrounding the team, star man Julius Randle has held his own. He has continued to put in match-winning performances on every game for his side. During the game, the MSG crowd was so pleased with the 26-year-old’s performance, that they started serenading him with MVP chants.
🗣 M-V-P
Julius Randle started receiving MVP chants from the home crowd in MSG 👏 pic.twitter.com/KmlEK8h8hT
— ESPN (@espn) April 24, 2021
This was a big achievement for Randle who, a couple of years ago, was struggling for form at the Pelicans. Reports suggest that he is in the conversation for the most improved player award this season. His display of excellent game awareness and the ability to lead a side has helped the Knicks immensely during this season.
Even in the game against the Raptors, Randle was the pick of the lot as he finished with 31 points this name. Moreover, he also racked up 10 rebounds and an assist for his side. Apart from him, RJ Barrett was also pivotal in this match. He finished with 25 points along with 12 rebounds and four assists.
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 24: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks handles the ball during the game against the Toronto Raptors
“We’re peaking but we can still get a lot better,” Randle said. “Obviously offensively we’re playing well, but defensively for a full 48 minutes I feel like we can be a lot better.”
The New York Knicks are fourth in the Eastern Conference standings. At the moment, they are well on course for their first playoff appearance in years. Moreover, they have an astounding nine-game winning streak which they will look to improve upon in the postseason.
