Should Knicks fans be panicking about RJ Barrett’s Game 1 performance?
Entering the first-round playoff series between the New York Knicks and Cavaliers, RJ Barrett was listed as a key player. The 22-year-old had his ups and downs during the regular season, but if he could turn it on in the postseason, that would be the deciding factor in whether or New York would advance to the second round.
In the Knicks’ 101-97 Game 1 win, Barrett shot 2-of-12 for seven points and added six assists and four rebounds in 31 minutes. He was forcing long jumpers and missed a couple of layups, but he was able to read the defense well to find open looks for his teammates. Barrett played well on the defensive end especially with the Cavaliers going for the switch so that he’d have to guard Donovan Mitchell.
However, there were a couple of plays where Barrett stood around and didn’t go after loose balls. That’s something that stood out to Knicks fans. Even when his shot isn’t falling, Barrett can always control the amount of effort that he gives. When it comes to the playoffs, there’s no excuse for not giving 110% effort for the entire time that you’re on the floor.
It was only the first game of the best-of-seven series, but several New York fans were disappointed with Barrett’s outing.
Will RJ Barrett be able to turn things around in Knicks-Cavaliers playoff series?
Yes, RJ Barrett is still only 22, but he’s in his fourth year in the league after being drafted No. 3 overall in 2019. The Knicks inked him to a four-year extension last summer rather than send him to the Jazz for Donovan Mitchell. Barrett made his playoff debut in 2021, and while it’s normal to shake off some nerves in the postseason, New York can’t afford for Barrett to not be able to find his shot.
When looking at a couple of the other players that were drafted in the top 10 in 2019, it’s hard to justify using Barrett’s age as an excuse. Ja Morant, who is 23, scored 18 points (8-of-14) in 30 minutes in Memphis’ loss to LA on Sunday before he left the game with a hand injury in the fourth quarter. Morant has earned two All-Star honors. Then there’s Darius Garland, who finished with only 17 points (7-of-13) for the Cavaliers in Game 1. He didn’t have his best game in his playoff debut, but he’s overall had a better year than Barrett.
It’s normal to have off nights in the NBA, especially with it being such a long season. However, even while rooting for Barrett, it’s okay to say that his inconsistencies this year have been quite concerning.
He could turn things as there’s still a lot of basketball left to be played in the first-round series, but if not, how much more time should the Knicks give him? If the right star becomes available during the offseason, would New York be willing to include Barrett in the package? Those are two questions that have been at the forefront of the minds of many fans.
Every Knicks fan should be rooting for RJ Barrett to make a statement in the playoffs. New York needs RJ Barrett. It’s up to him to show that he’s ready to embrace the challenge. Game 1 wasn’t a good start, but he has the power to change things starting with Game 2 on Tuesday.
