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Knicks’ Julius Randle leads player-only meeting ‘to hold themselves accountable’ after team’s humiliating performance against Oklahoma City, while rumors start to swirl about coach Tom Thibodeau’s job security
The New York Knicks held a players-only meeting that was led by all-star power forward Julius Randle this week following the team’s embarrassing loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Knicks started off the game by setting a franchise record for points in the first quarter, only to end up losing after they allowed the Thunder to score 145 points.
RJ Barrett branded the humiliating result ‘sad’, while Obi Toppin said it was ‘ridiculous.’
The New York Knicks held a players-only meeting following humiliating loss to the Thunder
In response to the loss, the players decided to take drastic action with Randle calling a meeting, according to Barrett.
‘Just trying to hold each other accountable,’ Barrett said after shootaround on Tuesday. ‘Trying to get this going because we want to win.’
The Knicks have lost six of their last nine games after struggling on the defensive end and also held a substantial lead in multiple of those games.
They are preparing for a tough five-game road trip against t west coast teams who are all favored to defeat the Knicks.
New York Knicks guard RJ Barrett during an NBA basketball game against Oklahoma City
‘It was good, good to have a team dinner like that,’ said Barrett, who was benched for most of the second half against the Thunder. ‘Try to figure this out the best that we can. We all care, trying to get this going on the right track.’
Head coach Tom Thibodeau has begun to hear more and more criticism during New York’s rough patch as the team currently ranks 24th in the league in defensive rating and second to last in 3-pointers allowed per game.
The inefficiency on defense, especially due to the fact Thibodeau has long been considered a defensive specialist and the lack effort shown by players in losses to the Nets and Thunder has led to some speculating over Thibodeau’s job security.
SNY’s Ian Begley reported Monday that the temperature has started raising on Thibodeau’s seat following Sunday’s defeat.
Tom Thibodeau Head coach of the New York Knicks looks on against the Brooklyn Nets during their game at Barclays Center
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