NEW YORK — RJ Barrett took the lead and Julius Randle followed.
The Knicks’ top duo blasted the Clippers on Sunday afternoon, combining for 52 points in a 110-102 victory at the Garden. It snapped a three-game losing streak for the Knicks (23-24), who never trailed against Tyronn Lue’s squad.
Barrett was an all-around force while grabbing 14 boards with six assists in 43 minutes. Randle, who had been struggling and feuding with the fans, was solid and drama-free with 24 points and nine boards in 40 minutes.
The Clippers (23-25) were shorthanded without Kawhi Leonard, who underwent ACL surgery before the season, and Paul George, who is out indefinitely with a torn ligament in his elbow.
For the Knicks, Kemba Walker sat with a sore knee, which could be classified as rest because it was on the first game of a back-to-back. Tom Thibodeau said he expected Walker to play Monday in Cleveland.
Walker’s absence cleared an opportunity for Cam Reddish, who logged five minutes in his Knicks debut. The former Atlanta Hawk, who was acquired in a trade this month, received a nice ovation when announced, nailed his first shot — a coast-to-coast reverse lay-up — and missed his only other attempt.
The win capped a four-game homestand, and now the schedule gets daunting. Real daunting.
Eight of the next games are on the road. Twelve of their next 16 opponents currently have winning records.
