New York, NY – New York Knicks forward Julius Randle has suffered a dislocated right shoulder, according to a league source familiar with the matter. The injury occurred during the fourth quarter of the Knicks’ recent victory over the Miami Heat. Randle was driving to the basket when he collided with Miami rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr., causing his shoulder to pop out of place. He immediately left the court without shooting the free throws and did not return to the game.
Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau expressed concern over Randle’s injury, stating “He’s a guy who plays through things, and that’s what you love about him. He’s a warrior.” Randle is scheduled to undergo further evaluation with an MRI on Saturday night to determine the extent of the injury and the potential timeline for his return. The Knicks’ next game is against the Charlotte Hornets on Monday.
This injury comes as a surprise, as Randle has been known for his durability and resilience throughout his career. Prior to this incident, he had played in all 46 games of the Knicks’ season and had played in 77 consecutive games dating back to the previous season. Randle’s ability to play through injuries and his high pain tolerance have been highly regarded by his teammates and coaches.
The Knicks have been on a hot streak recently, boasting a 12-2 record since acquiring OG Anunoby. Randle has been a significant contributor to the team’s success, averaging 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. His aggressive style of play, which often involves drawing fouls and finishing strong around the basket, has been instrumental in the Knicks’ offensive strategies.
In the aftermath of the injury, the Knicks did not place blame on the Miami Heat or Jaquez for the incident. Both teams are known for their hard-playing nature, and Knicks coach Thibodeau acknowledged that such plays are part of the game. However, the team expressed their concern for Randle and the impact his absence could have on their performance moving forward.
The Knicks will anxiously await the results of Randle’s MRI to determine the severity of his shoulder injury and the timetable for his return. Losing Randle for any extended period of time would be a significant blow to the team, considering his contributions on both ends of the court. However, the resilient forward has shown time and again his ability to overcome challenges and play through adversity.
As Randle’s teammates and coaches await news on his condition, they expressed their support and admiration for him. Guard Jalen Brunson described his reaction to seeing Randle in pain as an expression of concern, emphasizing the significance Randle holds within the team. The Knicks will need to rally together in his absence and find ways to maintain their success without one of their key players.