The Knicks have won their first postseason series since 2013. All-Star forward Julius Randle aggravated a preexisting injury to his left ankle in what could have been the decisive Game 5 against the Cavaliers.
Randle had played in every game for the Knicks up until he injured his left ankle with five games left in the season. Up until the last five games, he had played in every one of the season’s 77 games.
Is Randle’s left ankle injury serious? Read on for the most recent scoops from The Sporting News!
What Is Julius Randle’s Injury?
With five games left in the regular season, Randle suffered a left ankle injury, and it was feared that he might miss time during the Knicks’ first-round series against the Cavaliers. While battling for an offensive rebound, Randle rolled his left ankle after stepping on Heat center Bam Adebayo’s foot.
Julius Randle heads to the locker room after re-injuring his ankle pic.twitter.com/2NhlqAWLOM
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 27, 2023
A similar injury occurred in Game 5 when he closed in on a shot attempt and landed on the foot of Cavaliers wing Caris LeVert. Randle remained on the ground for a few moments before he limped to the sidelines and then returned to the locker room for medical attention. Randle was having a nice comeback game before he got hurt, scoring 13 points with six assists and four rebounds in 16 minutes.
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How Long Will Julius Randle Be Out?
At halftime, the Knicks reported that Randle was uncertain to return for Game 5, and at the start of the fourth quarter, the broadcast showed him in street clothes.
The club will learn more on Thursday, according to head coach Tom Thibodeau, who stated he would not be returning to the game.
Julius Randle is down & seems to be grabbing his left ankle. Randle missed 2 weeks at the end of the season due to a left ankle sprain & returned for G1 of NYK-CLE. After a few minutes on the floor, Randle got up, walked off the floor with a slight limp & went to locker room
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) April 27, 2023
Thibodeau stated, “It would be premature for me to comment,” adding that Randle would be reevaluated on Thursday. Hopefully, it’s not as horrible as we fear it is.