Knicks star Julius Randle issues strong statement on rivalry with Nets

It's rivalry week in the NBA, and Tuesday night will serve as the Battle of the Boroughs between the Brooklyn Nets and the New York Knicks.

This face-off will serve as the second of an ultimate total of four between the two squads, with their previous bout coming on December 20 where Jacque Vaughn's club was trounced by a final score 121-102.

This time around, the Nets will likely be looking for revenge in front of what is hoped to be a raucous home crowd at the Barclays Center.

And while some may believe the atmosphere will be amplified due to the newly implemented rivalry agenda, Knicks star Julius Randle recently noted that, with emphasis by the league or not, every time these two clubs square off it's always seen as a booming occasion.

Knicks star Julius Randle dishes on rivalry with Brooklyn Nets

"[The rivalry] is more of an in-city thing, New York thing that I'll leave for the fans to debate. It's definitely always a different atmosphere and energy when we do play them, for sure."

- Julius Randle

Though the two franchises have certainly had their ups-and-downs over the past decade, since the Nets made their move from New Jersey to Brooklyn there have been quite a number of hard-fought outings played between them.

Since their inaugural season in the 11217 back in 2012-13, the Nets have out-dueled the Knicks 25-19 throughout their 44 games played, though New York has taken three of their last five.

Despite their current cold spell that has them boasting a lackluster 2-10 record over their last 12 games, including a recent loss to the LA Clippers that saw they let up a 22-0 run over the final five minutes of regulation, Mikal Bridges and company are undoubtedly looking to even up their 2023-24 series against the Knicks at one game apiece.

No matter the outcome, as Randle noted, expect a different atmosphere Tuesday night.