Key Takeaways
Will Julius Randle Play in Game 2?
Randle missed the last two weeks of the regular season with an ankle injury. He appeared in all five games against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round, averaging 14.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. He only scored 20-plus points once in the series. But the Knicks were happy that he was even on the court.
If this wasn t the postseason, I doubt he s even on the court, said Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau after Game 4 against the Cavs.
Randle was more of a role player in the opening series, logging only 28.6 minutes per game against the Cavs. He was a workhorse during the regular season, averaging 25.1 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 35.5 minutes per game.
Randle didn t participate in practice on Monday. But then again, the Knicks were mostly in a film session with some light shooting drills. Although Randle is listed as questionable, his status for Game 2 will be a game-time decision.
Brunson has scored at least 20 points in every postseason game so far for the Knicks. He averaged 24 points, 4.8 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game against the Cavs in the first round.
Brunson notched the Knicks with 25 points in Game 1 But he shot 0-7 from 3-point range and was swarmed by the Heat any time he set foot in the lane.
I was horrific, Brunson told reporters after the game. Very uncharacteristic by me and this one s on me. I ve got to be better.
Brunson also landed on the injury list for Game 2 because of a sore right ankle. But he s expected to play.
