As he struggled through the opening week-plus of the season, Julius Randle had been battling through ankle pain and, as a player committed to availability, resisted attempts from the Knicks to get him to rest, multiple sources told The Post.
Randle, who underwent arthroscopic ankle surgery in the offseason, was operating at about “70 percent,” a source said.
And through the opening six games — while limited by that pain — Randle was among the league’s least efficient players with a notable drop-off in his explosiveness.
Part of the reason Randle’s production has increased recently, sources said, is that his ankle is feeling better.
In the last two games — both victories for the Knicks — Randle averaged 25 points while shooting 43%.
It was well above his season averages of 16.5 points at 31.6%.
Randle, 28, has shunned load management and is among the league leaders in total minutes over the last three seasons.
“He’s too proud to sit,” a source said.
Publicly, Randle has refused to use the ankle as an excuse for his struggles, even after two sprains left him ineffective in the playoffs.
“I have my own science,” Randle said last season about load management. “I just put way too much into my body, for me personally to cheat myself out of being available for my team.”
There will be more time for Randle to heal.
Counting Thursday, the Knicks will have had a rare three days off before Sunday’s matinee against the Hornets.
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