N.Y. Knicks: Julius Randle Proving He's All-Star Caliber

From the desk: KICKIN CANS DOWN 33RD STREET WITH JIMMY

President's Day

Hawks    112

Knicks    123

FINAL

The Knicks win their third game in a row and the fifth in their last seven.  Julius Randle leads the way with a season-high 44 points - his highest output since joining the team.  He and the Knicks benefited from the Midas touch.  Randle was 14/22 from the floor including 7/13 from behind the arc.  He also led the Knicks with nine rebounds and five assists.  Meanwhile, the Knicks were 50.6% from the field and exactly 50% from three.  RJ Barrett added 21 points in 33 minutes.  Off the bench, Immanuel Quickley was 4/8 from three and a perfect 4/4 from the line for 16 points.  Monday's win gives the Knicks a 7-6 record at home and a 14-15 record overall.

At 26-years old, Julius Randle is having his best season ever.  Through 29 games, his 23.1 points, 11.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 36.7 minutes per game are all career highs.  He is shooting an amazing 40.6% from behind the arc and 50.1% from the field.  Monday's game marked the third time this season he exceeded thirty points in a game.

He is well-deserving of an All-Star selection.  The teams will be announced next week.