New York Knicks fans are considered among the most knowledgeable in the NBA. Expecting them to be low on memory would be highly unlikely.
The Knicks’ game against the Spurs on Monday night was their first home game after hosting the Celtics last Thursday, a game New York won courtesy of a triple winner over RJ Barrett’s horn.
However, Julius Randle topped off an interesting subplot of the game and his ‘thumbs down’ gesture towards the team faithful after a late game bucket.
MORE: Randle’s thumbs down to Knicks fans is a useless gesture
While he was still fierce after the game and defended his actions, he later apologized and was even fined $ 25,000 by the league.
It was still fresh on the minds of Knicks fans and they responded Monday night.
Knicks fans boo Randle
Although New York posted a 111-96 victory, it was a forgettable 34-minute outing for Randle. He only finished with two points, hitting 1 of 7 from the field while also recording 12 rebounds and three assists.
He eventually pulled out of the game with 3:49 left in the game when the Knicks were up by 24. As he made his way to the bench, the reaction from the crowd wasn’t exactly warm.
The Knicks win, but Julius Randle’s situation is only getting worse. His night ended with a lack of frustration and a beeline to the bench, with the crowd booing and then chanting for his replacement, Obi Toppin.
Randle scored just two points. It was his lowest performance as a Knick.
– Stefan Bondy (@SBondyNYDN) January 11, 2023
“First of all, it’s devastating when it first happens,” Clyde Frazier said of being booed on the MSG broadcast.
“So Randle, I thought you did the right thing. He apologized to the fans. And it’s a revelation when you play in the most famous stadium in the world. If you don’t act, you will find out. Last season he got all the accolades and was rewarded handsomely as well. He just has to go out on the court and play his game. “
After the game, the Knicks head coach was diplomatic in his response.
NBA League Pass: Sign up to unlock games outside the live market (7-day free trial)
“It is a long season. We love our fans. Our fans are fantastic, ”said Tom Thibodeau. “There is an appreciation for them. But along with that, there will be praise, there will be criticism, and don’t get involved in either.”
The outbreak of Knicks fans comes after Randle’s struggles this season, especially on offense. With each game, his performance last season seems like an outlier rather than an upward trend.
After averaging 24.1 points in shooting divisions of 45.6 percent from the field and 41.1 percent from beyond the arc, he is only producing 19.5 points in divisions of 41.9 percent from the field and 31.6 percent from 3-point ground. this season.
There’s certainly more to this unfolding storyline between Randle and the fans, so stay tuned as the Knicks play five of their next six home games at Madison Square Garden.