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Tom Thibodeau: New York Will 'Do What We Do' After Julius Randle Injury News

Tom Thibodeau admitted that nothing much changes for the New York Knicks now that Julius Randle is out for the season.
Jeremy Brener|
Jan 20, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (30) talks to head
Jan 20, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (30) talks to head | Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

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New York Knicks

The New York Knicks are now preparing for life without Julius Randle after it was announced on Thursday that he would undergo season-ending surgery.

Randle has not appeared in a Knicks uniform since Jan. 27, when he left the team's victory over the Miami Heat. New York has gone 16-14 while he has been sidelined along with fellow starters OG Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson. Anunoby (elbow) remains out indefinitely while Robinson (ankle) has returned on a minutes restriction.

Jan 27, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (30) controls the ball
Jan 27, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (30) controls the ball | Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Head coach Tom Thibodeau admitted before Thursday's game against Sacramento that playing without Randle isn't a foreign concept and that his team will simply play on as planned.

"We knew it was a possibility all along," Thibodeau said, per SNY. "He did all that he could to try to get back and he never got to a point where he felt comfortable with it. It's a tough break for him, but our reality is what our reality is."

"We were approaching it as if we weren't going to have him, and then if we got him it would've been a bonus for us, so just keep doing what we're doing."

With Randle out for certain, the Knicks now have a more concrete idea of what the team will look like come the postseason. This is the second straight regular season to conclude with Randle on the sideline, as he previously endured an ankle injury just before the playoffs. Randle was able to return from that ailment but hardly resembled his dominant self.

With Randle out, New York overcame a slow start to earn a120-109 victory over Sacramento. The Knicks are immediately back in action on Friday as they visit the Chicago Bulls (8 p.m. ET, MSG).

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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