It was too much Julius Randle and too much Knicks’ defense for the Lakers to handle.
Yes, this was Lakers Lite, but Randle punished his former team with 34 points and 10 rebounds and the Knicks’ crushing defense stymied the gold-clad defending champions in a 111-96 victory.
The Lakers (33-21) are the No. 1 defense in the NBA — based on the all-important defensive efficiency number. But Tom Thibodeau’s Knicks showed the Lakers on Monday at the Garden that sometimes numbers can lie.
“We had to bring our hard hat,’’ Randle said. “We’ve relied on our defense all year. Just doing what we’ve done all year. They’re a good defensive team. I was aggressive from the start. It’s important early on in the second night of a back-to-back to bring energy and that’s what I tried to do.”
After beating Memphis Friday and the Raptors Sunday, this was the Knicks’ third straight victory to boost their record to 28-27. They have survived that recent 1-5 stretch, survived it stronger.
After an eight-game stretch in which Randle shot just 40 percent, the All-Star power forward was needed desperately to “have a monster game,” as Thibodeau put it, on a night RJ Barrett’s hot streak ended abruptly in a seven-point dud.
Randle, who played four seasons for the Lakers and left when LeBron James arrived, shot 13 of 23. Randle said before the game he “always’’ gets up for the Lakers.
And there were plenty of Lakers fans on hand among the pandemic Garden crowd of 2,000 with their jerseys and noise. But the “M-V-P’’ chants late in the fourth quarter were for Randle — not James, who could be out another three weeks with a hamstring strain.
“It’s cool, man, the love you get in the Garden, the love they’re showing me is amazing,’’ Randle said of the chants. “It feels really good. I’m not going to lie It’s motivating me to keep working harder and bringing it every night.’’
The Lakers are also still without the injured Anthony Davis.
The Knicks notched a season-high 14 steals, had nine blocks and held another club under 100 points. Defensive centers Nerlens Noel and Taj Gibson combined for five blocks, as new Lakers center Andre Drummond was neutralized (three points, four turnovers). The Knicks had a chance to sign Drummond but ultimately stayed the course.
Last Friday, No. 1-overall pick Anthony Edwards named the Knicks the toughest defense he’s faced this season — better than the Lakers.
It’s a sentiment that’s growing. Thibodeau said the Knicks’ defensive image has earned the league’s respect. They are No. 1 in least points allowed but fourth in defensive efficiency based on points per 100 possessions.
“In general, it’s an important step for our team to take, to start with our defense,’’ Thibodeau said. “And we wanted that to be a big part of our foundation. And hopefully that’s something that you can count on each and every night is your defense, rebounding. And I think you earn the respect of your peers by how hard you play, how smart and how together you play. So I think this team has demonstrated that willingness all season long. So I think they have the respect of their peers and the officials, and everybody that’s involved with the game. That’s important for our organization.’’
Davis and James, the Lakers championship duo formed at Randle’s expense, watched it from the bench.
“It’s always fun — the team that drafted me and played there for four years,’’ Randle said. “Always fun but most of all I wanted to get the win and protect home court.’’
And it was fun even though James and Davis are still hurt.
“Always [feels good], a win feels good regardless of who is playing on the court,’’ Randle said. “It’s a team that’s been playing really well the last two games, beating Toronto and blew out Brooklyn. It’s always going to feel good to win.’’
The already battered Lakers were playing with ailing point guard Dennis Schroder, who racked up 21 points. But Knicks point guard Elfrid Payton took advantage of Schroder’s pelvic injury and had a big night with 20 points.
The Knicks needed it because Barrett came down to Earth — missing his first eight shots. Perhaps he’s saving it for New Orleans when he faces his Duke brother, Zion Williamson, for the first time Wednesday.
“It’s a team that’s built on defense,’’ Thibodeau said of the Lakers. “And they play together, they share the ball. Schroeder is a load to deal with. Drummond puts enormous pressure on you rolling to the rim. It’s a very hard-playing team.’’
Not as hard-playing as the Knicks on Monday.