The Knicks’ thrilling season-opening win ended up being costly for the team’s biggest star.
The NBA announced forward Julius Randle was fined $15,000 for throwing the game ball into the stands in celebration after the Knicks beat the Celtics, 138-134, in double overtime at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday.
Randle may not have even realized what he had done. He said in his on-court interview with ESPN after the game that he was exhausted after playing 46 minutes.
“I can’t wait to go home and lay in the bed, I swear,” Randle said. “I don’t even know if I’m hungry enough to eat. I’m so tired.”
Randle, the NBA’s most improved player and an All-Star a year ago, was a big reason New York came away with the win. The 26-year-old scored a team-high 35 points with nine assists and eight rebounds — but did commit seven turnovers.
Randle agreed to a four-year, $117 million contract extension with the Knicks this offseason, but maybe his play will compel the club to put up the bill for his fine.
