Why Julius Randle is the difference maker!

 

I'm Connor Fucci and I’m a senior at Salisbury University. I live in New York, and I've been a Knicks fan my whole life. I will be writing about the New York Knicks on my blogs.   

As the New York Knicks prepare for the 2025 season, Julius Randle is still a key factor in their offensive and defensive game plan. After another year where he averaged over 23 points per game, Randle's talent scorer will be important to the Knick's success. His skill to dominate in the post make mid-range shots and expand the floor with better three-point shooting makes different teams' defenses change. With Jalen Brunson still getting better, Randle’s playmaking from the power forward position will create better opportunities for the rest of the players, this makes the Knicks a more skillful offensive team.

The Knicks' performance with and without Randle playing is clear. When Randle plays, the Knick's offense is way smoother, with better ball movement and helps with spacing. His being on the court forces a lot of focus from defenders, giving more space for the Knicks. Without Randle, the Knicks often have a hard time keeping the same efficiency and getting open shots offensively, and the defense struggles with the same as the office did. Randle’s leadership, energy, and capability to impact both offense and defense are big reasons why the Knicks have been able to become top in the standings, and the team needs him healthy if they plan to make a good NBA playoff run in 2025.

Knicks 2025 champions

 

I'm Connor Fucci and I’m a senior at Salisbury University. I live in New York, and I've been a Knicks fan my whole life. I will be writing about the New York Knicks on my blogs.   

Mikal Bridges is the massive piece that helps the New York Knicks make a serious run for a championship. Mikal is an elite two-way player; Bridges has defensive intensity and length that can affect teams' offensive rhythm. His capability to defend all positions, like the league's best scorers, makes him an important piece, largely in the playoffs where the defense wins games. Bridges’ defensive skill, starting with his long wingspan and quick footwork, makes the Knicks switch easily on defense, helping coach Tom Thibodeau’s already defensive-minded team. Mikal being on the wing allows important players like Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson to put more effort into the offense, knowing they have an elite defender on the other end.

On offense, Bridges has made massive improvement throughout the seasons, starting as a role player to a lethal scoring threat to other teams. His ability to make threes consistently and the capability to slash to the hoop and finish at the rim offers the Knicks a massive offensive improvement. With Brunson and Randle, Bridges can help space the floor and make opportunities for himself and the Knicks. His experience being in the playoffs with the Phoenix Suns, as well as his run to the 2021 NBA Finals, gives him leadership and playoff experience that will help the Knicks in important games throughout the playoffs. With his elite defense, improved scoring, and playoff experience, Bridges will elevate the Knicks to a championship-contending team.