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5 Biggest Knicks questions ahead of rivalry rematch against Heat

By James Ryder

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 29: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks is guarded by Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter of the game at Madison Square Garden on March 29, 2023 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 - MARCH 29: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks is guarded by Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter of the game at Madison Square Garden on March 29, 2023 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 Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports) /

Can RJ Barrett keep it up?

In Game 1 versus Cleveland, RJ Barrett played some excellent defense (four steals) and made many nice dishes (six assists), but he couldn’t hit his shots. In Game 2, he improved his shooting but only to a slightly less ugly degree. Meanwhile, his defense was solid, but his playmaking disappeared. With the series tied at 1-1, Barrett needed to step up if the Knicks were to have any chance at winning.

Wouldn’t you know it, Barrett went on to have three great scoring performances in a row against a very tough Cavaliers defense. More specifically, Barrett did what he does best by getting to the rim at will despite Cleveland deploying two of the league’s premiere rim protectors. He even started making threes!

In Games 3-5, Barrett averaged 22 points, 2.6 assists, and 4.6 rebounds while shooting 55.8% from the field. That’s a very good stat line to pair with Jalen Brunson’s heroic numbers. With Barrett coming off of a hot finish to the series against Cleveland, can he keep it going against Miami?

In my opinion, Barrett should have no issue playing at the same level, if not at a higher level. The Heat play strong defense, but they lack the number of defensively talented individuals that the Cavaliers have. Bam Adebayo is also the only player that can protect the rim for them, so Barrett can continue to attack the rim with good results with properly timed and targeted drives. Barrett also shouldn’t have to worry about seeing Jimmy Butler guarding him very much, as he will likely have to concentrate on stopping Brunson.

If Barrett keeps it up, the Knicks will once again be in a fantastic position to win and advance.

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