Julius Randle laughing after Donovan Mitchell shove was priceless Knicks moment

Julius Randle was listed as a game-time decision for Game 1 against the Cavaliers after spraining his ankle on March 29. The New York Knicks forward not only returned to the starting lineup but also came out hot, scoring a team-high 16 points in the first half.

Randle’s disappointing 2021 playoff appearance against the Hawks left much to be desired. With Jalen Brunson picking up his third foul early in the second quarter and playing only nine minutes in the first half, Randle stepped up and knocked down several tough shots in the first half. However, his first-half highlight involved a brief scuffle with Donovan Mitchell.

After getting fouled by Jarrett Allen under the basket, Randle’s right arm got wrapped up with Allen’s left arm. Randle pulled his arm back after the whistle and was walking away, but not before Donovan Mitchell gave the Knicks All-Star a shove. Instead of reacting toward Mitchell, Randle kept both hands in the air and was motioning to the crowd with a smile on his face.

Knicks’ Julius Randle’s reaction to Donovan Mitchell shove highlight of Game 1

Ah, playoff basketball. Emotions are high on both ends, but it says a lot that Julius Randle was able to walk away from the play, especially after getting pushed by Donovan Mitchell. There have been several times when Randle has let his emotions get the best of him, but he knows that jeopardizing his team with a technical foul in the playoffs isn’t the way to go.

With boos raining down on him, Randle soaked up the moment and Spike Lee threw up two peace signs courtside.

Why can’t we be friends? No, but really, if Mitchell is looking to pick a fight, Randle isn’t the player that he wants to be going up against.

Julius Randle’s already emerged as the new Cavaliers villain, but that’s fine. It’s a role that he’ll happily embrace and is one that he shined in during the first half. Let’s keep it up, Julius!

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