Knicks’ Julius Randle sprains his left ankle in the first half against the Cavaliers

The New York Knicks had an impressive regular season and earned the #5 seed in the playoffs. New York also enjoyed a 3-1 series lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

But during Game 5 on Wednesday night, All-Star forward Julius Randle landed awkwardly after defending a shot by Caris LeVert in the final moments of the first half. He then lay down on the court in pain, and the coaching staff quickly rushed to him.

Randle is believed to have suffered a sprained ankle. He previously injured the same ankle in late March in a game against the Miami Heat.

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Randle finished sitting out the last five games of the regular season. Randle’s condition was doubtful to return.

Obi Toppin replaced Randle early in the third quarter.

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Randle’s injury in Game 5 appeared to occur at 1:17 of the second quarter.

Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks warms up before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game 5 of Round 1 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs on April 26, 2023 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)

Randle was in the midst of his best performance in this playoff series. He had 13 points, six assists and four rebounds at the time of his injury.

The cleats worn by Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game 5, Round 1 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs on April 26, 2023 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Knicks led the Cavs 61-51 at the half.

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If the Knicks win, they would advance to the next round of the playoffs. If the Cavs can rally in the second half, they would force a Game 6 and the series would move to New York on Friday.