Julius Randle returned from COVID-19 protocols to contribute with a double-double in the New York Knicks (18–20) victory over the Indiana Pacers (14–24). Randle scored 30 points on 12–20 shooting, 2–7 from threes, 16 rebounds, and four assists, ending a two-game losing streak. “We had no idea what he was going to be like,” said Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau of Randle. “So unbelievable effort. Unbelievable game. Sixteen rebounds. Just all the things that he did. He makes us different. That’s his gift. He can play with speed. He can play with power. He can make decisions. It does make us different.” R.J. Barrett scored 19 points in the first quarter on the way to the Knicks’ team high of 32; he was 12–20 from the field, 2–5 from threes, eight rebounds, and three assists. “Just trying to be aggressive,” Barrett said of his approach early in the game. “That’s really it. When …