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Knicks’ Julius Randle, Isaiah Hartenstein respond to Cody Zeller scuffle

ByJordanna Clark|
CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 26: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks stands on the court during Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 26, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 26: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks stands on the court during Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 26, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)

In what was an otherwise unentertaining Game 3 thanks to the lackluster play from the New York Knicks, a moment in the third quarter stood out. Julius Randle and Cody Zeller got wrapped up (literally) in a heated play that led to Isaiah Hartenstein defending Randle and getting into it with Caleb Martin.

While battling for a rebound down low, Zeller was holding onto Randle’s right arm. When Randle was going up for the ball and trying to break free, Zeller pushed Randle which led to a mini-fight breaking out between both teams. Hartenstein responded by pushing Zeller in the back, which led to Martin pushing Hartenstein in the chest.

In the end, Hartenstein, Zeller, and Martin were all assessed with technical fouls. Randle handled himself well and out of the players that were involved, he had the calmest reaction.

Knicks’ Julius Randle, Isaiah Hartenstein respond to Cody Zeller, Caleb Martin fight

Isaiah Hartenstein wasn’t involved in the initial exchange between Julius Randle and Cody Zeller, but that didn’t matter. After the game, he explained why he inserted himself into the situation.

It’s hard to argue with that. Hartenstein added that it doesn’t matter who the player is, he’s going to protect his teammates. He’s been in New York for less than a year after signing with the team in free agency, but he’s already made a positive impact after having a shaky start to the season.

Erik Spoelstra referred to the scuffle as “much ado about nothing.” Randle had a similar response in his postgame press conference when he was asked about it.

Randle’s right as the Knicks are faced with far more serious issues than what went down between Randle and Zeller. He’s the least of New York’s worries.

What the Knicks should be concerned with is making the necessary adjustments to tie the series at 2-2 on Monday. More importantly, the Knicks need the best version of Julius Randle to take the floor and the player that he was in Game 2 was far from that.

And just like that, Cody Zeller’s time in the spotlight ended as fast as it began.

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