The New York Knicks successfully evened the series after a dramatic Game 2 win at Madison Square Garden. After a tough loss in Game 1, they made it up to the loud fans at home. That wasn’t the only good news for New York tonight. After having to watch his side suffer against the wrath of Jimmy Butler in Game 1, All-Star forward Julius Randle knew he couldn’t sit out. To make sure he returns, there was nothing Randle wasn’t willing to do.

Not only did he don the jersey at the Garden again, but the former MIP played an integral part in making sure the Knicks even the series at home.

Knicks star reveals his preparations ahead of Game 2 against the Knicks

Tensions rose after Julius Randle re-injured his ankle during the series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Going up against a Miami Heat team that had just beaten the top seed in the East, New York needed all the firepower they could possibly have. However, the 28-year-old wasn’t fit for the series opener. Randle had to watch the Madison Square Garden go deadly silent as Jimmy Butler’s sensational double-double gave the Heat an edge.

That was also the moment he became desperate to return to action. “It was hell,” said Julius Randle on working to make it back. “Every day just trying to get my body right…I just wanted to make myself available for the team.”

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Randle averaged 21 points and 7.5 rebounds during their four-game regular season series. It was clear, he knew how to operate against Butler. And that was exactly what happened. On his return, Julius Randle exploded for a double-double. He finished the game with 25 points and 12 rebounds in the 105-111 win.

When asked about his ankle after the game, he said, “It doesn’t even really matter.”

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The New York Knicks with Randle looked much more in sync with their offense and had an additional dimension to their system.

Jimmy Butler missed Game 2

Randle might have been back, but we didn’t get the matchup we all wanted to see in this series. Jimmy Butler wasn’t fit to suit up for Game 2 citing an ankle injury. He picked up the injury during a play in Game 1. Despite his ankle sprain, Butler played through the pain in the first game of the series.

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The vital road game win allowed Erik Spoelstra to take the call to sit out Butler. The Heat forward is having yet another wonderful postseason averaging 35.5 points every night. As the series goes to Vice City, do you think New York can win on the road? Let us know your views in the comments below.