“I took the matchup against Domantas Sabonis personally”: Julius Randle reveals his mentality going into game against the Indiana Pacers

Julius Randle says he took the matchup against All-Star Domantas Sabonis personally when facing off against the Indiana Pacers. 

Having been mired in obscurity for multiple seasons prior, the New York Knicks seem to have found their footing amongst some of the top seeds out East. Following a 110-107 win over the Indiana Pacers, the Knicks are currently tied for 4th in the standings while inching their way back to a .500 record. 

Though some may say that the Eastern Conference is weak considering the fact that the 4th seed is boasting a measly .500 record. But as Austin Rivers predicted, the Knicks are clearly a solid team this season. The Knicks season has hinged upon the success of none other than Julius Randle in the Knicks campaign for a Playoff berth. 

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Randle has been playing the best basketball of his career so far this season and has even earned himself his first ever All-Star nod after putting up averages of 23.4 points, 11 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. 

Julius Randle was looking forward to his matchup against Domantas Sabonis 

Another ‘slept-on’ big-man in the Eastern Conference would have to be Indiana Pacers star Domantas Sabonis. The 24-year-old has also been playing excellent basketball this season and was rewarded by being named an All-Star for the 2nd year in a row in place of an injured Kevin Durant. 

With both players boasting similar averages, Sabonis vs. Randle is a great matchup. Going into the game, Julius Randle admitted that he was looking forward to it, especially since he gets to go toe-to-toe against Sabonis.  

“It was fun for me”

Julius Randle says he enjoyed the physicality of his matchup with Domantas Sabonis pic.twitter.com/dsV0LZ9tEf

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“Sometimes there are just individual matchups that you take. Nothing personal or nothing, like you don’t like the other guy, just personal from a competitive standpoint.”  

Randle showed up last night against the Pacers as he dropped 28 points in comparison the Sabonis’s 15, while leading the Knicks to a 3 point victory.