Knicks' Julius Randle gets MVP chants vs. Raptors

Julius Randle has taken his game to the next level this season, and fans are loving it. Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Knicks' Julius Randle receives MVP chants during dominant performance vs. Raptors

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 4/24/21

New York Knicks forward Julius Randle has taken his game to the next level this season, and fans are loving it.

Randle entered halftime against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday with 20 points and six rebounds. When he went to the line to take free throws during the third quarter, the Madison Square Garden crowd showered him with MVP chants.

M-V-P

Julius Randle started receiving MVP chants from the home crowd in MSG pic.twitter.com/KmlEK8h8hT
— ESPN (@espn) April 24, 2021

The 26-year-old finished the game with 31 points, 10 rebounds and five three-pointers in the 120-103 victory over Toronto, which was New York's ninth straight win. Randle became the first player in Knicks history to average at least 30 points, nine rebounds and six assists per game over any nine-game span.

The Texas native has been essential to the Knicks' success this season. Entering Saturday's game, Randle was averaging 23.9 points, 10.5 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game while shooting 46% from the field and 41% from deep. His points, rebounds and assists lead the Knicks.

Randle's elite play has propelled the Knicks into fourth in the Eastern Conference. The team is primed to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2012-13 campaign.

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