new york knicks madison square garden
(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

New York Knicks fans are back in Madison Square Garden and they are showing their love to first-time All-Star Julius Randle.

The New York Knicks welcome fans back to Madison Square Garden for the first time since the outbreak of COVID-19 last March. Julius Randle was the one to address the fans and the front-line workers who were in attendance.

It just so happens that Julius Randle had learned that he was named to his first All-Star Game. The limited capacity crowd still figured out how to make the Garden rock.

“New York, New York, what’s up? We finally here man,” Randle said to the fans in the stands who responded with MVP chants.

“It’s been a long time coming, man, and it’s been tough, but we’ve definitely felt your guys’ love and energy and support. It’s a great step in moving forward for our city. We appreciate it and we thank the love and support. To the front-liners, we know some of you guys are here, thank you guys for everything you’ve done. We couldn’t do this without you. Go Knicks.”

In between quarters, Randle’s mother, Carolyn Kyles, appeared on the jumbotron to congratulate her son.

“Hi Julius, surprise! I just wanted to say that I love you so much and I’m so proud of the son and the teammate that you are. Continue to grind and work hard, putting forth great effort for your team. Just continue to work hard and great things are going to happen for you.”

NY/NJ hoops reporter (NBA/NCAA) & sports betting writer for XL Media. Never had the makings of a varsity athlete.