The New York Knicks are on the brink of NBA playoff elimination in their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Miami Heat. After an embarrassing performance in Game 3 on South Beach, the Knicks showed more fight in Game 4, but the outcome was the same; another loss.
New York is heading back home facing what feels like an insurmountable 3-1 deficit with how they have played thus far in the series. Given how well they shot the ball in Game 4, as they made 48.7 percent of their shots, losing by eight certainly stings.
The Knicks’ success this season was built off of punishing teams on the glass and outworking their opponents. Those edges have been erased by the Heat, who have won virtually every 50/50 chance and are not only hanging with New York on the glass but dominating in some respects.
Miami struggled mightily to shoot the ball at the start of the fourth quarter, providing New York an opportunity to get back into the game. But, unable to secure a rebound, the Heat’s lead never shrunk as they demoralized the Knicks with their effort on the offensive glass, getting second and third chances.
Miami outrebounded New York 44-35 on the evening in the fourth quarter, they pulled down seven of their 11 offensive rebounds. With the game hanging in the balance, the Heat looked like the team that wanted the victory more.
Shockingly, Julius Randle essentially admitted that much during his post-game press conference. He voiced his thoughts on what went wrong in Game 4, sharing the feelings of someone who is defeated.
“Maybe they want it more,” Randle said. “I don’t know. That’s been who we are all year and we got to find a way to step up and make those plays, keep the season alive.”
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Julius Randle, New York Knicks & Miami Heat Updates
Randle, an All-Star for the second time in three seasons and likely heading toward an All-NBA Team spot, is supposed to set the tone as the team’s best player. He failed to do that in the early going with lackadaisical play, absent-minded decision making and worst of all what looked like no effort.
He is battling through an ankle injury that he re-aggravated in Game 5 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but there are other players in this series that are also banged up but still giving it their all. His teammate, Jalen Brunson, is battling ankle injuries and with all 10 eyes of the Heat players on the court being focused on him, still managed to score 32 points with 11 assists, fighting to the final whistle.
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Julius Randle, New York Knicks & Miami Heat Updates
When asked what it will take for the Knicks to get their edge back, Randle provided another lackluster response, sounding like someone ready to call it a season. “Look within,” he said. “That’s all I can say, look within, and how bad do you want it?”
That is not the kind of leadership that the Knicks needed from their best player. The Heat entered this series banged up, with Tyler Herro and Victor Oladipo both sidelined. On paper, the Knicks held a sizable talent advantage. But, on the court, it has been a different story.
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Julius Randle, New York Knicks & Miami Heat Updates
Miami has outhustled New York all series, with Erik Spoelstra providing the finishing touches with the game plan and in-game strategy and adjustments. They have looked like the team that wants to win more every night, and it shows with Randle and the Knicks facing a 3-1 deficit heading into Game 5 at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night.
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