The New York Knicks are looking to snap a pair of three-game losing streaks and they need their star forward, Julius Randle, to reset. However, Randle has been silent since his latest outburst during the team's loss against the Brooklyn Nets.
Randle's frustration was evident when he threw the ball off the backboard after a missed shot attempt in the fourth quarter against the Nets. He then kicked a chair on his way back to the bench and was seen yelling at assistant coach Kenny Payne.
Despite this incident, some of Randle's teammates have come to his defense. "Julius is passionate about winning," said guard Reggie Bullock. "Sometimes that passion can boil over but that doesn't mean he isn't giving everything he has for this team."
Head Coach Tom Thibodeau also defended Randle saying that "emotions run high in competition" and that they will work together as a team to move past it.
However, fans and analysts alike are concerned about Randle's recent behavior and lack of communication regarding it. The 26-year-old forward is having a career year with averages of 23 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists per game but needs to be able to control his emotions for the benefit of himself and his team.
As for tonight's game against Orlando Magic, all eyes will be on Randle as he looks to reset himself along with helping end both losing streaks for New York Knicks.