'Freight Train' Randle Earns Banchero's Praise After Knicks-Magic Tilt

Reigning NBA Rookie of the Year relished his Friday fracas with New York Knicks All-Star Julius Randle.

Jeremy Brener | Dec 31, 2023

'Freight Train' Randle Earns Banchero's Praise After Knicks-Magic Tilt /

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New York Knicks

New York Knicks forward Julius Randle is becoming a star attraction to some of his newest opponents.

The two-time All-Star recently did battle with reigning Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero when the Knicks faced the latter's Orlando Magic on Friday night. Randle kept the Knicks in the game with 38 points (16-of-25) with 12 rebounds and six assists but it wasn't enough to alter fate in a 117-108 Orlando victory partly headlined by Banchero's double-double at 29 points and 10 rebounds.

Screenshot 2023-12-31 16.41.33 — USA TODAY SPORTS

Facing Randle was a thrill for Banchero, who looked forward to stifling his progress once the Knicks settled onto Orlando's calendar.

"He's a freight train, and then at the same time, he can make tough, tough shots," Banchero said of Randle, per Dick Scanlon of the Associated Press. "So it was a great challenge. But I wanted to accept the challenge. I did a great job holding the 38 points. He's a great player."

Mere hours after the Knicks fell to Orlando, Randle was indirectly informed that he would have to step up over the rest of the season: New York traded away young stars RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to Toronto on Saturday afternoon, getting back a three-man yield headlined by OG Anunoby. More offensive responsibility will fall on Randle's shoulders and he's going to have to continue being one of the leaders of the team.

Knicks Trading Barrett, Quickley Continues Troubling New York Sports Trend

OG Anunoby should help him defensively, allowing Randle to exert more energy on the offensive end, where he has shined since getting off of his rough start to the season.

Randle and the Knicks are back in action on Monday afternoon against the Minnesota Timberwolves (3 p.m. ET, MSG/NBA TV).

Published Dec 31, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.