Anther big night for Randle who carries the Knicks to their second straight win

Just five days after the Knicks were embarrassed at the Garden by the Wizards, the two teams would meet again in Washington but this time, things looked slightly different.

Boxscore

Led by a Julius Randle out of control, the Knicks won their 9th game of the season, defeating Washington Wizards 107-100 at Capital One Center.

Randle, scored a game high 30 points, tied a season-high 16 rebounds and dished 6 assists. He was supported off the bench by Bobby Portis who added 17 points.

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“A little bit into the season, we’re learning how to play off each other a little bit better. Playing a little faster. I’m reading it better, getting to spots better, recognizing how they’re playing me, playing at a better pace. Coaches are doing a better job of getting me in spots where I can be efficient.”

– Julius Randle

This was his third straight game in which he scores at least 30 points, after dropping 33 against the Nets and 35 in the previous Wizards matchup. Coach Mike Miller praised his confidence and his all around game.

“He’s doing so many different things. But the scoring is all timely. It’s when you need a basket. He’s got such a confidence about him. He’s making all the plays and he’s really conscious of doing the other things. He’s really impacting me.”

– Mike Miller

The Knicks had a couple of double-digit leads, one they built late in the first quarter, the other one – a 15 point margin – they build late in the third. They blew the first one and they did the same with the last one after allowing the Wizards to go on a 21-5 run that put them back on top, 91-92. However, for the next five minutes Washington went scoreless while New York managed to score three times.

Down the stretch, when the Knicks were still up by three, RJ Barrett made a 25 foot three point jumper to put the Knicks up by 7 with 2:14 on the clock and seal the game.

Barrett, finished with 14 points but struggled from the field, going just 5-13. Mitchell Robinson had 9 points and 9 rebounds in 13 minutes and his job around the rim gets better and better.

The Wizards, who played without Bradley Beal – NBA’s fifth-leading scorer, were lead by Isaiah Thomas and Jordan McRae with 20 points each.

The Knicks are now 5-6 under coach Mike Miller, who took over a team that started 4-18 under David Fizdale.