The New York Knicks opened the Christmas season with a much-needed win over the Atlanta Hawks by 87-101 where Julius Randle and his teammate Kemba Walker were the main stars of the match.
Randle got back that game that won him the Most Improved Player last season with 25 points, 12 rebounds and 3 assists, including 6-of-9 from 3-pointers.
“I feel like my best version is back today,” Julius Randle noted.
For his part, Kemba Walker added his first triple-double since the distant 2014, and the third in his NBA career. His were 10 points, 10 rebounds and 12 basket passes. It also became the first Knickerbocker of the story with a triple-double on Christmas Day.
“It was incredible,” noted Walker. «These are moments you always dream of. It’s a bit difficult to put into words to be honest with you, “he added.
New Yorkers took advantage of Trae Young’s absence after catching COVID-19 to impose their game from the initial jump. In the first four minutes of the game they added an impressive 3-16, and closed the match at halftime with +10 on the scoreboard (51-61) thanks to an inspired Evan Fournier with ten consecutive points.
The aforementioned Fournier and rookie Quentin Grimes added 15 points each, and the Knicks ended a six-game losing streak at Christmas. They are currently negative 23-31.
Up front, Nate McMillan’s Atlanta Hawks played for the first time this Christmas since 1989, ending a six-game winning streak on the road. John Collins and teammate Delon Wright were the top scorers with 20 points each.
“It was not a lack of energy. I think our boys were tired. They’ve been racking up a lot of minutes lately, ”said Nate McMillan.
Other highlights were Obi Toppin with 13 points, 4 rebounds and several dunks worthy of the best highlights, and Mitchell Robinson left until thirty minutes to obtain 4 points, 8 rebounds and 5 blocks with a +18 on the court.
Cam Reddish also contributed double digits to the visitors with 10 points, although with 4 of 15 in field goals; and reserve Skylar Mays with 11 points.
(Cover photo: Elsa / Getty Images)
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