Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley slap Julius Randle with harsh reality check after “thumbs down” gesture to Knicks fans
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Julius Randle
It is very clear that sports fans from the New York area are one of the toughest sets of people out there who are not afraid of showing their emotions out. The latest incident that took place was when the New York Knicks were paired up with the Boston Celtics in a home game with nearly 19,000 fans in the arena.
The Knicks had an incredible comeback victory after upsetting the Celtics team 108-105 and all credit goes to none other Knicks guard Evan Fournier and partially to Julius Randle who did not have much of a show. Before team had their comeback on offense, Knicks fans were convinced their team was about to lose and as a result gave out boos to the team.
Amidst the comeback, Julius Randle cut to the rim scoring a layup after which he gave the crowd the thumbs down which according to the player meant,”Shut the f#$k up.” Randle’s gestures went viral over the internet and some claimed that the all-star had crossed the line. Here is a full exchange between a reporter and Randle.
Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley respond on Julius Randle’s situation
During a segment on the NBA on TNT show, Kenny Smith had some words of advice to Julius Randle. Take look at what he had to say.
“Honestly I would not do that anywhere. I could be in New York or I can be on Mars. I’m not engaging with the 19,700 in Madison Square Garden, I’m engaging with the twelve dudes on the other team.” said Smith implying that Randle’s gesture was unnecessary as he should have instead let the game speak for himself.
“That’s what they are there for they are there to cheer or to boo. There is only two things you can do as a fan. And if you are not cheering, you are booing. He shouldn’t engage with the fans. He’s too good a player. He’s an all-star.” He further said.
Kenny Smith spoke giving advice that fans are always there just to cheer their team. But if the team in losing and the cheers are not coming your way, it is obvious that the fans would not be okay with it. Fans have reacted terribly in the past buying trying trip players on the sidelines, getting personal with the players and have gone as far as throwing items onto the court.
Fellow panelist Charles Barkley had chimed in to share his confusion over the trends among players wanting to be cheered amidst a losing game. He said,“If you play good, people, people cheer you. If you play bad, people boo you. That’s the deal you make with fans.”
Julius Randle leads the Knicks as they seek spot in playoffs
The New York Knicks are currently 10th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 19 wins and 20 losses. Julius Randle leads the team with 19.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, 4.9 assist and 0.8 steals per game. He shoots 42.2% from the field and 32.4% from deep which is well above average for a big man. This is followed by a great season from RJ Barrett who is averaging 15.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.
Randle had 22 points with 8 rebounds and 2 assists in the game but the highlight was Evan Fournier’s 41 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists. They Knicks had a very sub-par shooting night with 44.4% from the field, 50% from deep and 66.7% from the line.
Both teams are schedule meet again at the TD Garden Arena at Boston. The Knicks will start Immanuel Quickley (PG), Evan Fournier (SG), RJ Barrett (SF), Julius Randle (PF) and Mitchell Robinson (C).
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Rakibul John Rodgers
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