The New York Knicks' loss to the Phoenix Suns was humiliating for several reasons.

They blew a fourth-quarter lead and allowed Cam Johnson to score 21 points in the final period, including the game-winner. Prior to the All-Star break, they blew several 20-point leads. Julius Randle provided some more embarrassment by getting ejected in the third quarter. He was in the middle of a strong game when he let his emotions get the best of him.

After Randle drove into Johnson's chest in the first quarter, they got into a flare-up in the third quarter when they battled for position on a rebound. Randle, who was the Knicks' leading scorer in the game, charged at Johnson afterward and was subsequently ejected.

The NBA announced that Randle has been fined $50,000 for several reasons. The league's press release stated that the Knicks forward is being punished for starting the altercation with Johnson by shoving him, making contact with a referee and not complying with the league's investigation of the incident.

This fine is the second for Randle this season. His profanity towards Knicks fans in early January earned him a $25,000 fine. When this season is over, everyone in New York will be glad for it. Their embarrassing underachievement has them on pace to miss the playoffs just one year after being the Eastern Conference's fourth seed.

Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said that Randle has to be better about crossing the emotional line. With the team playing as poorly as it is, though, the frustrations are very real.