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New York Knicks forward Julius Randle was miffed at the end of a 121-98 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Thursday, nearly getting into it with backup point guard Elie Okobo at the end of regulation.
The two exchanged words in the dying seconds of the fourth quarter, as Randle lightly tossed the ball toward Okobo, rolling toward his knees. Okobo picked up the ball and threw it in Randle's direction as he was walking away, which prompted the 6-foot-8 forward to turn back and confront him.
Referee Ed Malloy and the two other officials got in the way of the two players before the benches cleared to settle the air.
Julius Randle tried to make a beeline for Elie Okobo at the buzzer and had to be stopped by ref Ed Malloy and teammates. Looked like the two had some words before the last play, then Okobo tossed the ball at Randle's feet at the end. Some drama at the end of a Suns blowout win pic.twitter.com/zymFACiMza
— Mike Vorkunov (@MikeVorkunov) January 17, 2020
The two players don't have any history against one another. They play in different conferences, different positions, and have seen each other only a handful of times.
While it's tough to make out what they said to one another, it's evident from Randle's body language that he wasn't pleased with the result. The Knicks have lost seven of their last eight games and the prospect of being in New York doesn't look all that well for Randle, who signed a three-year deal with the organization as its first choice in the free-agent ruckus.
This wouldn't be the first time Randle's temper gets the best of him, but it surely looks like the losing is starting to pile up for a young Knicks team that is 11-31 and looking at another high lottery pick, now among the three worst records in the league.
