Julius Randle’s practice appearance is ‘big thing’ ahead of Heat series

Julius Randle hoisted dozens of shots from around the 3-point arc at the end of Knicks practice on Friday, and Tom Thibodeau said he’s “hopeful” that the team’s leading scorer could be available as soon as Game 1 of the second round Sunday against the Heat.

“He didn’t do much today, but he’s feeling a little bit better,” Thibodeau said. “So he’ll go through the rehab, see where he is [Saturday]. He’s better today than he was [Thursday], and that was a big thing. So we’re hopeful.”

Randle suffered a sprained left ankle late in the second half of the Knicks’ Game 5 victory in Cleveland on Wednesday, the same injury that sidelined him for the final five games of the regular season.

Thibodeau added that the Knicks’ lone All-Star also “did some cardio work in the pool and lifted” along with the spot shooting while wearing a supportive brace around his ankle.

Obi Toppin contributed 12 third-quarter points after Randle’s departure in Game 5 in Cleveland, and the former lottery pick could earn his first career postseason start if Randle is unable to play.

Julius Randle shoots at Knicks practiceCharles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Starting shooting guard Quentin Grimes also practiced Friday after missing the final two games against the Cavs with a contused right shoulder.

He said he hopes to return to the lineup Sunday against the Heat.

“That’s the plan,” Grimes said. “I went through the whole practice, so I’m feeling pretty good.”

Julius Randle at practiceCharles Wenzelberg/NY Post

Grimes added that he was injured while trying to fight through a screen in Game 3 against the Cavs, but an MRI exam ruled out a more serious injury.

“Let’s see where he is [Saturday]. But he moved well today,” Thibodeau said.

Josh Hart logged 47 out of 48 minutes as the primary defender against Donovan Mitchell in the final win over the Cavaliers.

But the return of Grimes would give Thibodeau another dependable perimeter defender against Jimmy Butler and the Heat, as well as the option to start and/or play both wing players in a smaller configuration if Randle can’t go.

Julius Randle shares a joke with RJ Barrett.Charles Wenzelberg/NY Post

“He’s playing like the best player in the league right now,” Grimes said of Butler. “It was tough having to watch. I tried to give as much energy from the sidelines as I can, but I knew everybody was gonna hold it down.”