The New York Knicks have lost the grip they seemingly just had on their season. They got humiliated by the New Orleans Pelicans at home, making it three straight losses at home and getting booed by their fans in the process. But they didn't stop with the shenanigans there.
The NBA annoucned that the Knicks have been fined $25,000 for not making Julius Randle available for a postgame press conference.
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/hrswIqBRWu
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 21, 2022
Randle hasn't spoken to the media in eight of the previous nine games, including the last seven. Fred Katz of The Athletic noted that the last time Randle spoke to the press was two weeks ago after the game he gave the home fans a thumb down. Head coach Tom Thibodeau stuck up for Randle and noted the immense pressure that is put on him.
Per Marc Berman of the New York Post:
“It’s easy to say that [about Randle being off-kilter], but it’s really our entire team,’’ coach Tom Thibodeau said. “When things aren’t going our way, Julius is gonna take a lot of blame. He gets a lot of the credit, but that goes with the turf. But it’s a team game, and we didn’t get into it with any one individual. When they’re not going our way, I just want us to be mentally tough and be able to work through it.’’
This has been one odd, disappointing season for the Knicks. They look nothing like the scrappy team that took the league by storm last season. The trade deadline should be a busy one for them as they look to climb back into playoff contention.
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