Why Julius Randle Remains New York Knicks' Most Impactful Player

Julius Randle's offensive resurgence has coincided with a New York Knicks resurgence that has seen them win five of their last six.

Six games into the 2023-24 season, New York Knicks forward Julius Randle had the NBA's worst shooting percentage among those averaging 10 points a game. But recent showings hint that he has gotten it together offensive, much to his New York Knicks' advantage.

In the Knicks' Friday win over the Washington Wizards, Randle stuffed the statsheet, putting up 22 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds in a 120-99 final. Randle was also an even 50 percent from the field for the second straight game, a stark contrast from the 27.1 success rate he had over the opening six.

Julius Randle (30) drives in the Knicks' Friday win over Washington / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Knicks have won five of their last six games, with their only loss coming to the Eastern Conference-leading Boston Celtics. Over that stretch, Randle has shot just over 45 percent from the field.

It's become clear that, while the Knicks (7-5) have enjoyed valuable breakouts from starters like RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson, the two-time All-Star Randle likely stands as their most impactful player. 

Over those first six, New York posted a 2-4 record but, since Randle got his groove back, they've won five of their past six. Randle has scored 20 and dished out at least five assists in every game in that span, which includes the first three parts of a five-stage road trip. The Knicks have also moved out of the NBA cellar in terms of field goal percentage, hitting just over 46 percent in the last three.

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New York will be back in action on Saturday night when the aforementioned trek continues against LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets (6 p.m. ET, MSG).