The timing could not be more perfect for the New York Knicks, the team's fan base and, of course, a first-time All-Star in veteran power forward Julius Randle. With Randle officially being selected as an Eastern Conference All-Star just ahead of Tuesday evening's clash with the heralded Golden State Warriors, the Knicks best player also received the honor of addressing the hometown crowd at the world-famous Madison Square Garden.

Not only does Tuesday evening's outing against the Warriors mark the Knicks' first game since Randle formally became an All-Star earlier in the day, but the matchup against Golden State also marks the first time all season that fans are allowed inside Madison Square Garden.

With approximately 2,000 Knicks fans in attendance for the memorable matchup at the “world's most famous” arena, Randle was showered with both love and praise in addition to some very loud “M-V-P” chants as well.

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A former member of the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans, the 26-year-old Randle is currently in the midst of his second season with the Knicks. Starting as a result of all 31 of his regular-season appearances for the Knicks this time around, Randle enters his team's contest against the Warriors sporting averages of 23.2 points, an even 11 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.2 blocks across 36.8 minutes per game.

Certainly playing out the best single-season performance of his NBA career to date in 2020-21, the first-time All-Star has led the typically lowly Knicks to a nearly .500 record with the month of March now rapidly approaching.