Following a very rough loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in their first game of the season, the Knicks bounced back in their home opener, defeating the Detroit Pistons, 130-106. This was a fantastic all-around game for almost everyone on the team, with several players showing out to help the team pull out the win.
Almost everyone who performed poorly against the Grizzlies improved their level of play, especially the younger players.
If the Knicks can keep this up heading into their next game against the Orlando Magic, we could see a potential 2-1 start from the team. The Magic will be a tough team to beat, but if the Knicks can continue to play at this level, they can compete with almost any team in the league.
3 takeaways from the Knicks’ blowout victory over the Pistons
3: RJ Barrett is so back
After a horrible game against the Grizzlies, RJ Barrett bounced back in a huge way against the Pistons, showing some two-way prowess. In this game, Barrett scored 18 points, shooting 8-of-15 from the field and 0-of-3 from three, while also dishing out four assists and grabbing three rebounds.
Barrett made some very nice passes at the start of this game, giving New York an early lead. While his playmaking slowed down as the game went on, he picked it up by scoring efficiently. Obviously, Barrett wasn’t perfect scoring-wise this game, however, it is much better than what he did against the Grizzlies, and Knicks fans should be happy about that.
RJ Barrett getting active early pic.twitter.com/ftLeRI0Hbg
— KNICKS ON MSG (@KnicksMSGN) October 21, 2022
The biggest gripe most fans have with Barrett pertains to his inconsistencies and inefficiencies. If he can keep this level of play up offensively, while simultaneously scoring more, he could really be worth the big extension he was given.
As for Barrett’s defense, he made a ton of mistakes against the Grizzlies. While it is very hard to guard a player when the best screener in the NBA is constantly hitting you, he far too often took the wrong angle of attack.
However, on Friday, Barrett was much better on the defensive side of the ball, making some very nice plays to help slow down the Pistons’ defense.
Barrett had himself a very solid game last night and hopefully he can keep this up this season. We all know the Knicks need him.