Just a few days ago, fans of the New York Knicks were nervous after seeing Julius Randle shoot a painful 20.8% from the field in a loss against the Los Angeles Clippers.
But as the game against the Los Angeles Lakers got started on Sunday, it was clear that Randle was ready to play hard again.
In the first quarter alone, Randle scored 18 points and had 4 rebounds.
Julius Randle with FORCE 😤
He's got 18 points and 4 rebounds in the first quarter.pic.twitter.com/yXUR92ZWHl
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) March 13, 2023
In total, Randle scored 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists during the first half of the game, helping the Knicks set a rhythm that eventually led them to an important and impressive 112-108 win over the Lakers.
Randle’s performance had its issues but it was mostly a great return to form for him.
It had people all over the internet talking.
One Knicks fan loved what they saw in the first quarter but only wished Randle could have carried that production into the rest of the game.
“Bro Julius Randle plays so well in the first quarter, if only it can just translate in the 4th quarter more often!” they said.
Bro Julius Randle plays so well in the first quarter, if only it can just translate in the 4th quarter more often!
— Miggy the Dove🕊️ & Shai🍁 thinker💭 (@chloaithinker) March 13, 2023
Other fans were nothing but ecstatic with Randle, even if his output diminished after the hot start.
Pat Boyle was elated by the star playing, saying, “Julius Randle haters went right back into hiding, I see.”
He added: “L streak is over. Let’s go Knicks.”
Julius Randle haters went right back into hiding, I see. Set the tone in the first quarter. 33 points and a W
And good to see RJ Barrett attack the rim and drop 30 as well
L streak is over. Let’s go Knicks
— Pat Boyle (@PatBoyle44) March 13, 2023
Others were commenting on Randle’s intense speed and power on the court, as evidenced when he scored a monster dunk in the first half of the game.
I LOVE IT when Julius Randle plays with this type of aggression pic.twitter.com/r5ZyH56dlm
— Dylan Backer (@DylanBacker_) March 13, 2023
Others were noting that Randle could earn his second All-NBA honor this year after the rebound season he’s been having.
Ball Don’t Stop said, “Career season. He’s playing with a point to prove every night.”
Julius Randle is an All-NBA lock this year. Career season. He’s playing with a point to prove every night.
— Ball Don't Stop (@balldontstop) March 13, 2023
Lastly, a fan account commented on the wonderful connection and relationship between Randle and RJ Barrett, who scored 63 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 assists combined in Sunday night’s game.
“If these guys stick around together for a little while longer, they will be one of the best 1-2 punches in the NBA,” they said.
RJ Barrett and Julius Randle vs the Lakers
63 Points
14 Rebounds
7 Assists
WIf these guys stick around together for a little while longer, they will be one of the best 1-2 punches in the NBA. pic.twitter.com/9DJgbM2OZm
— Big Knick Energy (@BigKnickEnergy_) March 13, 2023
Randle had some fans worried before Sunday night’s game but most of them seem beyond satisfied with his output against LA.
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