The Brooklyn Nets came out on top against the New York Knicks in the Battle for New York, 117-112 on Monday. Knicks big man Julius Randle was visibly disappointed during an interview because of the outcome of the game.

Randle was called for a crucial traveling violation in the final seconds of the game, which eventually sealed the Knicks' fate. He didn't agree with the questionable call and got livid, even kicking a chair heading into the locker room. After the game, he explained his rare outburst of emotion (via Knicks Videos).

 

Randle had another monster night as he put up 33 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and three steals while shooting 13-of-27 from the field and making 50 percent of his three-pointers. He played over 40 minutes in the tight game. 

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At the start of the season even before the James Harden trade, it would have been unthinkable for a Nets versus Knicks game to be competitive, but here we are. The Nets are near the top of the team standings as expected, but the Knicks are currently at 20-20, which puts them in the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference. 

Under new coach Tom Thibodeau, Randle and the Knicks have transformed into a defensive-minded crew with one of the slowest paces in the NBA. It may not be the most exciting brand of basketball, but it has produced winning.

A big reason for the team's resurgence is the growth in Randle's game. He is one of the favorites to win the Most Improved Player plum and just made his maiden NBA All-Star Game appearance.

Along with Julius Randle, the Knicks have an interesting young core with wingman RJ Barrett, defensive anchor Mitchell Robinson, and rookie guard Immanuel Quickley. If they retain and develop these players, playoff basketball at Madison Square Garden could be a regular occurrence again.