3 Reasons Knicks were able to defy regular season expectations

2. The Julius Randle resurgence

We all know how great of a season Julius Randle has had this year, however, what he put on display last season gave fans little hope for him. While Randle had an All-NBA level season in 2020, he did not follow it up well at all in 2021.

Despite this, Randle knew he needed to step up this season and did exactly that, averaging 25.1 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game while shooting 45.9% from the field and 34.3% from deep on 8.3 attempts.

This may not have been a perfect season for Randle, but the way he completely turned it all around in a pivotal season is something that will always be remembered by true Knicks fans.

Without Randle’s resurgence, we are easily looking at a much worse Knicks team than we are currently faced with. You can’t replace a player who puts up the numbers Randle does, let alone his five 40+ point games and the game-winning shot he hit against the Heat.

Randle’s had his fair share of frustrating moments this season, but the Knicks would be in a completely different situation if not for his massively improved play.