Julius Randle didn’t have his best game in the New York Knicks’ 106-95 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday. Afterward, Randle voiced his displeasure with the game’s officials.
Randle let his frustrations bleed onto the court, ultimately costing the Knicks a second-half lead.
With the Knicks leading by one, 74-73, with only a second left in the third quarter, Randle through an unnecessary elbow at Mason Plumlee’s face, drawing a flagrant foul.
While officials reviewed the play, an incensed Randle had to be held back by teammates and coaches. Randle later admitted he was going after one of the officials and not a member of the Clippers.
Randle didn’t make things personal with the refs much like Toronto Raptors’ Fred Vanvleet did earlier this week, telling Steve Popper of Newsday, “I actually like the officials.”
To his credit, Randle did admit to having a bad game. The 28-year-old shot an abysmal 5-of-24 from the field, scoring 19 points with eight rebounds and three assists. But, his behavior was still a distraction.
Saturday marked Randle’s third subpar outing in a row. In the Knicks’ previous two games, Randle shot a combined 33% from the field in losses to the Charlotte Hornets and Sacramento Kings.
Perhaps Randle should worry more about his play and less about the referees, as his production on the floor lately has harmed his team in the standings.
Following Saturday’s loss to the Clippers, the Knicks fell to 39-30. New York holds a slim 2.5-game lead over the Miami Heat (36-32) for the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference.
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