New York Knicks: RJ Barrett say he’s “hungry for more”

If the New York Knicks are going to turn this season around, it feels like RJ Barrett is going to have to continue to be the catalyst.

After a deflating loss to the lowly New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night, it felt as though the Knicks had reached their lowest point in the season. All they can do to begin pulling themselves back on track is to start finding ways to win games, which they did earlier today in a victory against the Los Angeles Clippers.

New York Knicks: RJ Barrett is front and center in victory

Beating the Los Angeles Clippers at home sounds like an easy win on paper, except nothing has come easy for New York this season. This team needed big performances from their key players and that’s exactly what they got.

Julius Randle finished with 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists.

RJ Barrett finished with 28 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 assists.

It was refreshing to see both Randle and Barrett not just put up numbers but do so in a way that felt like a balanced team effort, resulting in a win.

Both players had high usage and ran the offense.

Barrett’s play in the 2nd half really shut the door on any Clippers come back. He seem dialed in from the start and you could see him willing the Knicks to victory throughout.

In his postgame interview, Barrett said,

"“I don’t feel like I’ve done anything so far. That’s my mindset. I’m hungry for more. I want more for the team, but for myself, as well.”"

So far, 2022 has felt like a big shift in RJ Barrett’s career both in on the court performance and leadership. We saw him speak to the media after the team’s loss on Friday and he preached accountability.

Barrett is now averaging 22.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists on 44.3% from the field and 43.5% from 3 in the month of January. 

This is a really important moment in Barrett’s New York Knicks career. He’s been getting the minutes and opportunity for awhile now, but it feels like he’s starting to realize his true potential.