Julius Randle wasn't known as a strong playoff performer before arriving in Minnesota this season. He's changed that reputation with the Timberwolves.

Fast forward to May 19: both the Knicks and Timberwolves are in the Conference Finals. Towns and New York defeated the No. 2-seeded Celtics in six games to advance, while Randle played a huge role in the Timberwolves’ semifinals series against the Warriors.

Last year, the New York Knicks had a tough time in the playoffs. With no Karl-Anthony Towns at the helm, the Indiana Pacers knocked them out in the seven-game series.  They were hit hard by injuries,

In addition, the Knicks also made a splash when they landed Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Now, after the Timberwolves landed Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo in the deal ...

Many viewed the Timberwolves' acquisition of Randle as a misstep for the franchise. Instead, the forward has blossomed and played an instrumental role in the team's return to the conference finals.

Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby had a tense exchange on the Knicks’ sideline Wednesday during the final moments of regulation in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Pacers — which ended in a shock 138-135 overtime loss at Madison Square Garden to give Indiana a 1-0 series lead.