- ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the shoulder was dislocated
- The good news is that an x-ray showed no structural damage
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
New York Knicks fans are reeling after All-Star power forward Julius Randle dislocated his shoulder during a terrifying on-court collision during Saturday’s 125-109 win over the visiting Miami Heat.
When asked if he was concerned about the injury, Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau simply said, “Very much.”
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the shoulder was dislocated, although MRI tests will be performed to determine the extent of the damage. The good news, according to Wojnarowski, is that an X-ray showed no structural damage.
After scoring 19 points in the first 44 minutes of play, Randle collided with Heat rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. late in the fourth quarter. as he drove to the hoop. The former Kentucky star landed hard on his right shoulder and immediately left the field after being helped to his feet.
The injury is significant for a Knicks team that has won six straight. New York is currently ranked fourth in the East and is starting to look like a contender since trading defensive whiz OG Anunoby from Toronto.
Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks reacts after an injury against the Miami Heat
Jalen Brunson had 32 points and eight assists in the win for New York as Miami suffered its sixth straight loss.
Brunson helped the Knicks break the game open for good with a 13-3 spurt to open the fourth quarter and then sent the Heat into a timeout as a sold-out crowd roared when his 3-pointer midway through the period tied the score at 112- 96 brought.
Anunoby also had 19 points for the Knicks, who improved to 12-2 this month after making his first start on New Year’s Day.
Jimmy Butler scored 28 points for the Heat, who got Jaquez back after a six-game absence due to a groin injury but were defeated 36-23 in the fourth quarter. Duncan Robinson had 19 points and Tyler Herro finished with 18.
Kevin Love was also back from an illness, finally giving the Heat their full roster of players. Coach Erik Spoelstra said it was just as important for the Heat to return to the way they normally compete. They certainly didn’t live up to their standard on Thursday when they were blown out by Boston 143-110 on their home floor.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Julius Randle’s shoulder was dislocated during the fall
The Heat looked much more like themselves, but after Butler brought them from a 13-point deficit to a tie late in the third quarter, the game got underway quickly as he rested on the bench to start the fourth.
Brunson had two baskets in New York’s flurry to open the fourth and finished 12 for 22 from the field, making four 3-pointers.
The Knicks led 82-69 with 3 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter, but Butler scored nine points and Robinson made two 3-pointers in a 17-4 spurt, tying the score at 86 with 13 seconds left. to go. Randle made a 3-pointer at the buzzer to give the Knicks the lead heading into the fourth.
Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein returned after missing two games with a left Achilles tendon injury and had four points and six rebounds.