MILWAUKEE — For Julius Randle, the In-Season Tournament looked a lot like the regular season: putrid.
In Friday’s pool-play opener — which doubled as a regular-season game — Randle missed 15 of his 20 shots and disappeared for most of the second half, unable to assist a brilliant Jalen Brunson performance in a 110-105 defeat to the Bucks.
Randle’s last attempt sealed the defeat when his turnaround was blocked by Brook Lopez in the final 20 seconds. He went 1-for-9 on 3-pointers.
Over his last 17 games — which includes a dud playoffs — Randle shot (shield your eyes, children) 82-for-248 (33%).
At least in Friday’s matchup, the 28-year-old didn’t lollygag on defense like two days prior against Cleveland.
His effort was consistent on that end and he grabbed 12 rebounds, though only three after the break.
Offensively, the low point was a 4-on-2 break at the end of the second quarter when Randle received the pass on the right side, dribbled into the only two defenders, attempted a slow spin move and launched a shot that didn’t touch the rim.
Brunson picked up the slack with 45 points, including 29 in the second half.
His 3-pointer with 1:10 remaining provided New York its first lead since the opening quarter.
But the Knicks then allowed six straight points from Milwaukee star Damian Lillard.
And in the big picture, they don’t have much of a chance if their only All-Star from a season ago can’t score.
Thibodeau continued to avoid any criticism of Randle.
“We know Julius has already proven the type of scorer he is,” the coach said. “Just keep working through it.”
With the defeat, the Knicks are 0-1 in East Group B with games upcoming against the Hornets, Wizards and Heat. For the NBA season, they’re 2-4 with a two-game losing streak.
The Knicks’ defensive philosophy Friday was to build a wall and collapse on Giannis Antetokounmpo when he attempted a drive. Keep him out of the paint.
It was effective in stopping the two-time MVP, who finished with just 22 points on 10 shots.
But the Knicks’ poor shooting — encapsulated by Randle — lost the game.
They shot just 10-of-39 from beyond the arc.
The NBA dressed it up for the In-Season Tournament opener.
The court was remodeled with a light green stripe down the middle — from baseline to baseline — and a trophy at center court.
It looked like a shuffleboard.
“In-Season Tournament” T-shirts covered every seat.
The league mandated that every healthy star suit up and play.
There’s skepticism this will be embraced by the players, let alone the fans, but JJ Redick is convinced it’ll be a hit.
The former Sixers shooting guard, who called Friday’s game for ESPN, said on a conference call that the champion will separate itself with self-motivation.
“Whoever ends up winning the In-Season Tournament is probably the team with the most amount of sickos on their team. I mean that,” Redick said. “Like, you don’t need to give Chris Paul a reason to be competitive. He wakes up that way.
“Some teams and some players are just wired that way. There’s a purpose to everything they do,” Redick added. “The NBA weeds out the non-competitive people very quickly. And I think this is another opportunity for the competitive people to rise to the top.”
Randle certainly did not rise Friday.