The New York Knicks notched another impressive victory as they defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 123-112 on Monday. The Knicks have now won five of their last seven games as they continue their strong campaign. Julius Randle once again led the way with a season-high 44 points.

According to ESPN Statistics and Information, Randle ended the 183-game drought of the Knicks without a 40-point scorer, the longest active drought by any team in the NBA.

Randle was scorching against the Hawks from almost anywhere on the floor, burying a career-high seven three-pointers on 13 attempts. Overall, he shot 63.6 percent from the field, while adding nine rebounds and five assists in 41 minutes. The 26-year-old bruiser also provided huge plays in the fourth quarter as he hit timely shots and made key stops on the defensive end.

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His solid performances have made him an early candidate for Most Improved Player and also possibly earn his first ever NBA All-Star nod, with Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau himself campaigning for the former Kentucky standout. Thibodeau has completely handed the keys to Randle in his first year calling the shots in the Big Apple.

Randle is the first player from the Knicks to score 40 points in a game since Kristaps Porzingis in the 2017-18 season when he led the Knicks to a 108-101 come back victory against the Indiana Pacers.

With Julius Randle's emergence, it won't be surprising if he strings up a couple more 40-point games with the resurgent Knicks.

The Knicks, who improved to 14-15, will look to carry momentum into their next game against the struggling Orlando Magic on Wednesday.