Andrew Buller-Russ
Losses can lead to plenty of moments of frustration. Sometimes we see those incidents play out during the game, whether it’s an aggressive foul or even unnecessary contact. Other times, we hear the controversy brew post-game, like what Julius Randle did on Monday night following the latest loss by the New York Knicks.
Speaking to the media shortly after the team’s eight-point loss to the Miami Heat, Randle briefly let his guard down, offering a hint of honesty when asked about his team’s hustle and ‘want-to’.
The Heat won the offensive rebounding battle 13-to-8, and Miami also won the overall battle on the glass 44-to-35.
When asked how the Heat were seemingly coming away with all the loose balls, Randle replied: “Maybe they want it more. I don’t know. That’s been who we are all year.”
That’s not exactly a positive remark either to his fellow teammates or to coach Tom Thibodeau, who is tasked with getting the most out of his players.
For what it’s worth, the Knicks have emerged with more rebounds than the Heat in two of their four playoff matchups thus far. Yet it’s hard not to wonder how the game could have ended differently had the Knicks been able to come away with even a few more loose balls as Randle would have liked.
New York’s next chance to redeem themselves comes on Wednesday in Game 5 in front of nearly 20,000 fans screaming at the top of their lungs during a lively atmosphere at Madison Square Garden. We’ll see if Randle and his peers have a bit more pep in their step when facing elimination.
