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3 things Knicks learned from their recent tough schedule stretch

By Zachary Bachar

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 02: Obi Toppin #1 of the New York Knicks gestures to a referee during the second quarter of the game against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on November 02, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 02: Obi Toppin #1 of the New York Knicks gestures to a referee during the second quarter of the game against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on November 02, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks, RJ Barrett
RJ Barrett, New York Knicks. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) /

2: RJ Barrett is going to be fine

After a dismal 3-of-18 shooting game on opening night against the Memphis Grizzlies, many were beginning to question RJ Barrett’s ceiling and whether or not he could contend for an All-Star spot as soon as this season.

However, he’s quietly put together an efficient stretch of play which is even more impressive considering the higher level of competition that the team has faced as of late.

On the season as a whole, Barrett is averaging 19.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game while shooting 43% from the field, 31% from three, and 77% from the charity stripe.

It’s also worth noting that the 22-year-old has made developmental strides in many areas of his game that needed improvement last year, which is a positive sign that his scoring totals and efficiency will increase once he starts knocking down threes.

Barrett is shooting 50.5% on two-pointers which includes 67.3% on shots within three feet of the basket, a huge step up from his percentages last year of 44.2% and 59.6%, respectively.

The former No. 3 overall pick has started to become the volume scorer that many Knicks fans were expecting him to be this year. With Reddish inserted into the starting lineup, Barrett can also conserve energy on the defensive end as he won’t be required to guard each opponent’s top option every night.

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