New York Knicks: 3 goals heading into Game 2 against the Atlanta Hawks

Goal No. 3: The New York Knicks need to get Julius Randle going offensively

Julius Randle had a rough playoff debut as the New York Knicks lost to the Atlanta Hawks 107-105. The seven-year veteran power forward scored 15 points on 6-of-23 shooting from the field.

He did grab 12 rebounds and dished out four assists, but he also accumulated three turnovers.

It’s not an ideal performance from an All-Star. Without him, the Knicks’ offense does not function properly.

In his second season with the Knicks, Randle averaged 24.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists in a league-leading 37.6 minutes per game. He shot well, too, posting .456/.411/.811 splits.

Also, he performed significantly well against the Hawks throughout the season. He averaged an incredible 37.3 PPG, 12.3 RPG and 6.7 APG on 58.1 percent shooting and 50 percent shooting from 3.

So, what happened? Well, my guess is as good as yours. However, that is the past, and Game 2 is a chance to improve.

Randle, like Trae Young, is the focal point of the offense. The focus won’t change heading into Game 2 nor should it. Randle should be fed the ball multiple times and allow him to dominate like he did in the three regular season games.

Heading into Game 2, it’s ever-so important that Randle finds his groove. The Knicks cannot expect Alec Burks to score 27 points on 9-of-13 shooting again. They should count on Randle, though. A big game from him will likely lead the Knicks to victory, tying the series at one.