Julius Randle had plenty of motivation to play well as the New York Knicks finished their road trip with a matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. Breaking New York's losing streak and showing out against one of the NBA's best players would be a great way to get back on track.

Before the game, Randle said that he was looking forward to facing Giannis Antetokounmpo. He said that he embraced the challenge and found out very quickly just how challenging it would be.

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Antetokounmpo, as he does night in and night out, proved to be a huge challenge. He finished the game with 38 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists in a 123-108 Milwaukee win. Randle scored just nine points and recorded 11 rebounds and three assists. For someone who isn't a particularly good defender, Randle saying that he was up to the challenge was bold.

The Knicks are now in 12th place in the Eastern Conference. Head coach Tom Thibodeau is openly voicing his concern for his rotation and Randle is no closer to looking like the star he was last season. There isn't much hope for the Knicks achieving what they did last year.

With New York open to trading Randle and other veterans ahead of the trade deadline, the Knicks will have their work cut out for them as they look to get back into the playoff picture. Randle showing confidence in himself and embracing tough tasks is beneficial. Now, he has to start showing that he can lead the Knicks to the playoffs again.