Julius Randle Shines for Knicks in Recent Stretch of Games
November 26, 2023
By: Dylan Tehada
Julius Randle has been the epitome of constant growth and improvement season after season since his debut in 2014. After an impressive 2022-2023 season with the Knicks averaging 25.1 points per game on 46% shooting, Randle seeks to continue building on last season’s success and contributing to a winning franchise. Although the start of the Knicks’ season has not gone exactly to plan, Randle has showcased his veteran poise and innate ability to continue elevating his game as the long NBA season treads on.
After a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks at the start of November, Randle took matters into his own hands and sought out guidance on how to rediscover his groove during a long homestand in New York. One of the helping hands during this homestand was Unlimited Potential Basketball’s Coach Packie Turner. On November 6th, Coach Packie trained with Randle in New York with a focus on understanding his opponent's strengths and weaknesses and helping the Knicks’ all star return to form.
“I help scout [Julius’] opponents to help him be best aware of their strengths and weaknesses, and review all possessions to look at how we can further optimize him,” Turner said. “Julius is all about growth and improving himself as he wants to be the best he can be and help his team win at all costs. It is a very fortunate position I am in and I take great pride in being a part of team Randle.”
After spending three off days leading up to a long homestand preparing for upcoming opponents, the Knicks star tallied an impressive 27 points on 43% shooting in a big win against the Los Angeles Clippers. This momentum has carried over since then, as Randle is finding his rhythm averaging 23.9 points per game on 44.7% shooting from the field. The New York Knicks now sit at 5th in the Eastern conference with a 9-6 record thanks to Randle’s leadership and initiative to establish a winning culture.
Even at the professional level, basketball is a game of ups and downs. The best players and teams in the league lean on their work ethic and perseverance to elevate their game. Talent and skill set alone do not determine success. Randle’s devotion to the game embodies what a hard work ethic can accomplish and serves as a prime example of how athletes at all levels can overcome adversity and realize their unlimited potential. After winning seven of the last nine games, Randle and the Knicks look to continue their recent success in a marquee matchup against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, November 26th.
