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3 fire takeaways from Knicks’ rout over Pistons in preseason opener

By Jordanna Clark

Oct 4, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) looks to drive past Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) in the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) looks to drive past Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) in the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Knicks, RJ Barrett
RJ Barrett, New York Knicks. (Photo by Wendell Cruz/USA TODAY Sports) /

2: RJ Barrett’s finishing at the rim

RJ Barrett signed a four-year extension last month after being wrapped up in Donovan Mitchell trade rumors. Because of the team that he’s on, there have been questions about Barrett’s potential as he enters his fourth season, but the 22-year-old started the season off on the right foot.

Barrett scored a game-high 21 points (8-of-14) in 23 minutes and added five rebounds and two assists. He shouldn’t have an issue topping his 20-point per game average from last season, but the biggest takeaway from his performance was his finishing at the rim.

RJ Barrett’s finishing at the rim was a big positive from the Knicks’ win

RJ knocked down three shots from deep, but the majority of his offense typically comes from him driving to the rim. His finishing was a point of contention in 2021-22, but that wasn’t the case in his first preseason. The work that Barrett put in over the summer has already started to pay off.

If Barrett can continue to adjust to contact down low and finish at the rim, a new level of his game will be unlocked. RJ showed improvements in his first three years in the league and year four is shaping up to be the best one of his young career.

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