Tom Thibodeau said Julius Randle is a “warrior” who often plays through pain that outsiders barely know exists.
So when the Knicks’ head coach saw his star forward refuse to stay in the game late in Saturday’s win over the Heat after injuring his shoulder in a hard fall, he knew something was wrong.
After the Knicks’ 125-109 win at the Garden, Thibodeau said his level of concern was “extremely high.”
In a game where the Knicks were comfortably leading, Randle hit a shot at the hoop at 4:27 of the fourth.
He collided with Miami’s Jaime Jaquez Jr., who was attempting to charge, and grabbed him by the shoulder as he hit the floor.
Randle would have had to attempt a free throw if he wanted to remain eligible to return to the game as a sub.
Instead, he grabbed his shoulders and immediately fell to the outside of the court so medical professionals could see him.
Jericho Sims took his place, hitting 1 of 2.
Thibodeau then did not immediately have an update on Randle’s condition, but ESPN reported that he had suffered a dislocated shoulder.
If the Bulldozer forwards have to miss time, OG Anunoby would be the top candidate to slide into that position.
“He’s a guy who gets things done, and that’s what I like about him,” Thibodeau said of Randle, who scored 19 points on 6-of-14 shooting.
“He’s a warrior. Every time someone walks back [to the locker room]I know it’s something.
