Julius Randle sprains ankle again, doubtful to return to Game 5
CLEVELAND — Julius Randle is hurt again.
The Knicks All-Star sprained his left ankle in the second quarter of Wednesday’s Game 5 against the Cavaliers, laying on the court in pain as trainers, teammates and even coach Tom Thibodeau gravitated toward Randle with concern.
Randle turned the ankle after contesting a shot and landing awkwardly on Cavs guard Caris LeVert with 1:17 remaining in the second quarter. He sprained that same ankle on March 29 and missed the final five games of the regular season.
The Knicks listed Randle as doubtful to return at halftime.
Before the injury, Randle was having a rejuvenated performance with 13 points and six assists in 16 minutes. Three nights prior, the 28-year-old struggled in Game 4 — which included his shaky effort on defense — and was benched for the entire fourth quarter.
Thibodeau was hopeful that two days off between games would provide Randle a needed refresher. Asked if he expected Randle to bounce back in Game 5, the coach simply said, “I do.”
It started well but ended with Randle limping to the locker room. He needed help getting off the court but stumbled to the bench on his own.
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