Julius Randle beat another triple-double, but he allowed a big 3 and missed a big 2.
In his first trip to Barclays Center since his teammates had to restrain him from confronting referee Scott Foster after a controversial finish on March 15, Randle scored 19 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists. But just like last time, the Knicks lost to the undermining Nets, despite their best player being able to tie the ball with a chance.
“Has a great look – something I practice every day,” Randle said after missing the final stroke in a 114-112 defeat. “I feel good getting out of my hands and not going in.”
Three weeks ago, the Nets trailed 115-112 when Randle was called up for a trip. Repetitions showed Kyrie Irving slammed the ball loose when Randle raised for a 3. But Randle never lost the ball and officials said it was a trip when he returned with the ball. Two teammates prevented him from chasing Foster after the last buzz, but not turning a chair while returning to the locker room.
There was no whistle Monday, and Randle said the series was not on his mind. Just a horn that sounded as she slammed 18-foot-jump-over over Jeff Green from the backseat.
After a timeout, the Knicks set up a screen for Randle and curled up outside the arc for Alec Burks’ incoming pass.
“The last play has three different options and he’s obviously the focal point,” coach Tom Thibodeau said. ‘He has two more passages to go to. I thought he was looking at it well. ”
The Knicks wasted a 13-point lead in the third quarter when Irving scored 40 to lead the return. One of Irving’s biggest baskets, which opened a 100-94 lead, was a setback 3 from a dribble behind that left Randle out of his position on a defensive switch.
Three minutes later, Randle and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarroot were asked for double technical offenses after being physically affected.
“I do not really know what his problem was,” Randle said. ‘He’s not a guy on the court that I’m really worried about when I play. He gave me a little forearm or whatever, then I kicked his arm off of me. ‘
Four of Randle’s ten triple careers are in a Knicks uniform, including three in the last 12 games. Only five players – all waiting – have more in franchise history. Those stats and close losses don’t matter much.
“It does nothing for me,” Randle said. ‘It’s a win or a loss. There are no real moral victories. ”
Randle, who was playing through a sore thigh, made up for the last two minutes with pain. He held on to his right knee after grabbing a defensive rebound, but that didn’t stop him from dripping through his legs in isolation and shooting at the next few possessions from midfield. His two free kicks cut the Knicks’ deficit to 112-109.
“I’m fine,” Randle said. “No problem.”