Julius Randle led the New York Knicks to a decisive 126-100 victory over the Toronto Raptors during Saturday’s NBA action, marking the first clash between the teams since their trade last month featuring O.G. Anunoby, Immanuel Quickley, and R.J. Barrett.
Randle recorded his 14th career triple-double with 18 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists, spearheading the Knicks’ triumph. The Knicks, now 9-2 since incorporating OG Anunoby from the Dec. 30 trade, celebrated the return of RJ Barrett and Quickley with enthusiastic cheers.
Reflecting on his former teammates, Randle highlighted the valuable lessons in leadership and openness they imparted to him, which transformed his approach both on and off the court.
“Those guys are special to me, a special relationship built with them,” Randle said. “I know they talk (about) how much I mean to them, but they mean a lot to me. To be honest, they taught me about leadership, how to carry myself, how to be open, how to be honest.
“Those were things I didn’t necessarily have coming here, vocally. I was more of a lead by example, just play hard every night. But those guys brought a different side of me.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Julius Randle, New York Knicks, RJ Barrett, Toronto Raptors Updates
Jalen Brunson was a standout performer, amassing 38 points and perfecting his free throws, while Randle secured his eighth triple-double for the Knicks. New recruit Precious Achiuwa contributed 18 points and 10 rebounds off the bench, and Anunoby added 14 points, contributing to the Knicks’ third consecutive win.
The Knicks dominated the rebounding game, outperforming the Raptors 61-31. Despite a sore ankle limiting Isaiah Hartenstein to 23 minutes, New York’s emphasis on rebounding was evident throughout the game.
For the Raptors, Barrett scored 20 points, and Quickley delivered 12 points and 11 assists. Gary Trent Jr. added 16 points, but their efforts weren’t enough to prevent the Raptors from losing six of their last seven games.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Julius Randle, New York Knicks, RJ Barrett, Toronto Raptors Updates
Brunson overshadowed the homecoming of Barrett and Quickley with a 12-point burst during an 18-4 run early in the third quarter, culminating in a three-pointer that extended the Knicks’ lead. Heading into halftime, Brunson and Randle’s combined efforts helped the Knicks secure a 59-57 lead.
“We try to emphasize outrebounding teams as best you can,” Brunson said. “It was one of those nights were we just outrebounded them by a lot, but it’s always an emphasis.”
Barrett, the third overall pick in 2019, and Quickley, the 20th pick in 2020, were warmly welcomed back with a special video tribute, which Barrett found surprisingly touching.
“It was amazing. Thank you to the fans,” Barrett said. “We got a tribute video. I didn’t think we were going to get that, but that was cool. I am very appreciative of my time here. To come back, I had a lot of emotions for sure.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Julius Randle, New York Knicks, RJ Barrett, Toronto Raptors Updates
Quickley expressed his mixed feelings about facing his former team but remained focused on the game, exchanging playful remarks with associate head coach Johnnie Bryant.
“I been tripped the whole day since the scouting report, since I seen Knicks. I’m like, ‘Wait! What?’ he said. “The whole day was just a little different for me, but good to see my friends. Obviously wanted the win. Good luck to all of them.”
Looking ahead, the Raptors will host the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday, while the Knicks are set to face the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday.
