But as he has worked his way through a problematic right calf it has coincided with an uncharacteristic shooting slump. As he readied to face the Toronto Raptors Wednesday night, hoping to break the Knicks three-game losing streak, he was searching for answers.

With Julius Randle getting the call as a reserve last year but now in Minnesota, the centerpiece of New York’s blockbuster offseason trade in exchange for JR, Karl-Anthony Towns, is leading the charge for the Knicks this year.

The Knicks' captain gave props to the Knicks' training and strength and conditioning staff following Wednesday's win.