Julius Randle Received the Kobe Bryant Death Stare From Derrick Rose After His Pathetic Game 4 Performance Against the Hawks
It appears New York Knicks star point guard Derrick Rose is fed up with power forward Julius Randle. The 2010-11 MVP channeled his inner Kobe Bryant on Sunday after the Atlanta Hawks took a 3-1 lead over the Knicks in their first-round series by giving this year’s Most Improved Player a frightening death stare.
Both Rose and Randle had close relationships with the late Bryant. With that said, Randle should be embarrassed by his actions in Game 4 and understand why Rose seemingly gave him a classic Kobe look.
Derrick Rose has played well against the Hawks, but Julius Randle hasn’t
Rose has been the best player for the Knicks against the Hawks. He’s averaging 22.8 points and 5.0 assists while shooting 50.7% from the field, 50.0% from beyond the arc, and 100.0% from the free-throw line. The former Chicago Bulls superstar has set himself up for a nice payday this offseason when he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
The same can’t be said for Randle, who was projected to sign a $100 million extension with the Knicks once the playoffs ended. He put up MVP numbers during the regular season and won the Most Improved Player of the Year Award. However, the lefty has been awful versus the Hawks in his first postseason.
Randle is averaging 16.8 points and 11.3 rebounds against Atlanta. He’s shooting a woeful 27.4% from the field and has looked uncomfortable all series. Barring a miracle turnaround from their All-Star power forward, the Knicks will lose Game 5 on Wednesday and watch their magical season end in the first round.
In Game 4, Randle scored 23 points, but he shot just 36.8% from the floor. His poor play on the court and fake tough actions aren’t sitting well with Rose, who is giving it his all in the Knicks-Hawks series despite undergoing four knee surgeries.
Derrick Rose gave Julius Randle the Kobe Bryant death stare
Near the end of Game 4, Randle committed a flagrant foul 1 on Hawks veteran Danilo Gallinari. The former Los Angeles Lakers draft pick was sticking up for Reggie Bullock, who got elbowed in the neck by Gallinari.
As he checked out of the game, Randle high-fived his teammates as if he did something good. Rose looked visibly frustrated with him since the Knicks were getting blown out, and he was the only one who played well in Game 4.
Now, Rose could have been tired after playing 32 minutes and getting hit in the thigh and maybe zoned out. However, social media seems to think the three-time All-Star was angry with how Randle acted during a blowout and celebrated a foolish foul. We used to see this look from Bryant toward the end of his career when he played on some terrible Lakers teams with young players.
Rose and Taj Gibson are the only players on the Knicks who have gone on deep postseason runs. This is Randle’s first playoffs, and he’s getting exposed. Making and missing shots is one thing. However, when you act immature, that’s an issue many veterans such as Rose don’t appreciate.
Clint Capela ripped the Knicks forward
During his media session with reporters on Tuesday, Hawks center Clint Capela ripped Randle for his hard foul on Gallinari. The big man also said he’s looking forward to sending the Knicks on vacation by winning Game 5 at Madison Square Garden.
Rose has been the only Knicks player to play well against the Hawks. Without his solid play, New York would have gotten swept by Atlanta. While MSG will be electric in Game 5, don’t be surprised if the Hawks easily win. They have more firepower on offense, and Randle is in a deep shooting funk and playing childishly.
Stats courtesy of Basketball Reference.
