Knicks’ Julius Randle Organizes Players-Only Meeting

The Knicks held a players-only meeting over dinner in Utah on Monday, ahead of Tuesday’s game vs. the Jazz, per Steve Popper of Newsday.

Power forward Julius Randle called for the meeting, which was viewed a positive among his teammates, with accountability being the focus, Popper added.

The Knicks (6-7) are coming off a 145-135 home loss to the Thunder, and many have gone on record saying that things need to change on the defensive side of the ball.

“We have to take a hard look at [the defense] and then evaluate everything,” coach Tom Thibodeau said, via Mark W. Sanchez of the New York Post. “And what’s the best way for us to have a chance to be successful.”

Guard Jalen Brunson echoed those sentiments following the loss to the Thunder.

“Just defensively, we were just — myself included — we just weren’t right and unacceptable,” Brunson said, via Sanchez.

The Knicks are currently on a trip through the West, with five games in seven nights.

“When you go west, it’s always a tough time, regardless of your dynamic,” swingman Evan Fournier said, via Sanchez. “It’s about how you respond.”