Jan 6, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (30) gestures after making a basket against the Boston Celtics during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Julius Randle gave New York Knicks fans the Javier Baez thumbs down during Thursday’s game against the Boston Celtics.
The New York Knicks defeated the Boston Celtics on Thursday night, thanks to a clutch three-pointer at the buzzer by R.J. Barrett. But things were not looking good for the Knicks, as they had to overcome a 25-point comeback. As things got better, star Julius Randle was spotted giving the thumbs down gesture to the crowd at Madison Square Garden.
After the game, Randle was asked what he meant by giving the thumbs down to the crowd. Randle responded by saying four words.
Julius Randle pulls a Javy Baez, gives thumbs down to Knicks fans
The Knicks were getting booed earlier in the game, and this was Randle’s response as they made their come from behind win. Of course, this is not the first time that a player on a New York professional sports team wearing blue and orange uniforms gave the thumbs down to the fans.
Javy Baez, the Mets’ trade deadline acquisition this past season, revealed that the team’s thumbs down celebration during the second half of the season was a way to respond to Mets fans who were booing them. Baez was not the only player to “boo the fans,” as star shortstop Francisco Lindor participated in the celebration as well. Both Baez and Lindor apologized for the gesture.
You can read the full history of the Mets’ thumbs down saga at this link.
In 38 minutes, Randle scored 22 points (8-of-20 from the field, 4-for-6 from free throw line), grabbed eight rebounds, dished out two assists and recorded two steals in the 108-105 victory.
We are sure this is going to be a topic of discussion across New York sports radio on Friday.