After a slow start to the 2023-24 NBA season, New York Knicks star Julius Randle is starting to find his footing.
As a result, some of the noise surrounding his play has seemingly settled down, and his wife has taken notice.
My TL been super quiet 🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫 https://t.co/wIFXz42sp4
— Kendra Randle (@KendraRandle_) November 16, 2023
Over his first six games this season, Randle averaged just 13.7 points, 10.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists per contest while shooting a mere 27.1 percent from the field and 22.5 percent from deep. His struggles were evident for the Knicks, who got off to a 2-4 start during that stretch.
But more recently, the two-time All-Star has turned things up several notches. Over his last five games, he has averaged 25.4 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.2 assists per contest while shooting 44.4 percent from the field and 35.5 percent from range. The Knicks have gone 4-1 during that span to bring their overall record to 6-5 this season.
Randle is still shooting just 35.9 percent from the field and 28.2 percent from 3-point range in the 2023-24 campaign, but if he continues to play well as the sample size increases, it won’t take long for his overall numbers this season to reach respectable territory.
The 28-year-old is often asked to carry a heavy load for the Knicks, as evidenced by his usage rate of 28.8 percent since joining the team. His usage rate is 28.4 percent this season, down slightly from 29.5 last season.
The Knicks surprised some folks in the 2023 NBA Playoffs by winning a series before fizzling out in the second round. They’d certainly love to take another step this season, although doing so will be tough in a competitive Eastern Conference.
New York will be back in action on Friday for a game against the Washington Wizards as the squad continues a long road trip. The matchup against Washington will be the third leg of a five-game trip for the Knicks.
Randle is under contract with New York for at least one more season after this one, so it’s in the best interest of all involved parties if he continues to play at a high level — even if the Knicks fans on social media who have something to say when he’s underperforming.
