If there's a New York athlete who knows about navigating ups and downs with fans in the Big Apple, it's Julius Randle.

During his Most Improved Player campaign in 2020-21, he was serenaded with MVP chants from New York Knicks fans.

The following year, during his struggles, he heard unfamiliar boos, which prompted him to give the fans a thumbs-down during a game.

Randle returned to All-Star form this season, and the Knicks were on the way to clinching a playoff berth before hitting a wall.

After a nine-game winning streak, they are 3-6 in their last nine.