Knicks fall short in Philly, Barrett continues to grow into 2-way star

The New York Knicks came into Philadelphia with a lot of emotion. The team was coming off of an intense, heartbreaking loss to their crosstown rival Brooklyn Nets just last night, and they now faced a quick turnaround playing the Eastern Conference-leading Philadelphia 76ers. The Knicks once again came excruciatingly close, only to come away with another loss.

The game was physical from the start. It was hard to get any buckets for either team. Both the 76ers and the Knicks came out of the gate committing turnovers and not finding many open looks. Things started to open up in the 2nd half, Julius Randle was bullying his way in the paint, while Tobias Harris took matters into his own hands. Harris ended up carrying much of the Sixers’ scoring load, finishing the game with 30 points.

Coming into this game, RJ Barrett has averaged 22.6 points, 4.4 rebounds 3.2 assists on 56.9% from the field, 46.7% from 3, and 82.8% from the line in the month of March – He’s been on a tear.

The Knicks’ injuries are catching up with them

The Knicks were once again short-handed in the backcourt with Elfird Payton, Derrick Rose, and Austin Rivers all out of the lineup. You could see many of the team’s starters were exhausted, but this team loves the challenge. You never hear any excuses from the Knicks players – the 76ers themselves were without the potential MVP of the league, Joel Embiid, who continues to miss time due to injury.

You have to admire how hard the team has played these last two games against the two best teams in the NBA. The Knicks backcourt has been decimated and they’ve needed to keep a tight rotation of players playing heavy minutes with added responsibilities. Playing two teams who are as skilled as the Nets and 76ers presented a tremendous challenge, and while the Knicks came away with 2 losses, both games weren’t decided until the final seconds.

If you check the box score, Barrett did not have the most efficient shooting night. After going 10-10 from the free-throw line the other night, Barrett hit on just 3-7 against the 76ers. Even with the rough shooting night, Barrett was everywhere on the court and you can’t help but be impressed by how much he has developed his game.

Barrett played 41 minutes and performed his usual physical style of play. Absorbing contact on offense, embracing contact on defense – Barrett is a tone-setter at just 20 years old. Again, this was not his best shooting night (Although a 17-8-4 is stat line is nothing to be unhappy with), but it’s his continued aggressiveness that has the Knicks being able to keep up with anyone in the league. His strength is well beyond his year.

We know all about Julius Randle and how he’s been a leader – Preaching work ethic, 2-way basketball, and embracing being a member of the New York Knicks. Barrett has embodied that same swagger and “No days off” attitude. The Knicks may have come up short, but they’re going to bring it every night.