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Knicks’ RJ Barrett stands out in worst way in Canada World Cup upset

By Jordanna Clark

Brazil's Leonardo Meindl shoots as Canada's RJ Barrett (L) and Luguentz Dort (R) block during the FIBA Basketball World Cup match between Brazil and Canada at Indonesia Arena in Jakarta on September 1, 2023. (Photo by ADEK BERRY / AFP) (Photo by ADEK BERRY/AFP via Getty Images)
Brazil's Leonardo Meindl shoots as Canada's RJ Barrett (L) and Luguentz Dort (R) block during the FIBA Basketball World Cup match between Brazil and Canada at Indonesia Arena in Jakarta on September 1, 2023. (Photo by ADEK BERRY / AFP) (Photo by ADEK BERRY/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Montenegro got a moral victory in the second round of the World Cup as they lost by 12 points to a stacked United States roster, but Brazil got one of the most impressive wins of the day. Canada struggled immensely and picked up their first tournament loss, 69-65, at the hands of Brazil.

RJ Barrett has given New York Knicks fans a lot to be optimistic about at the World Cup, including his efficiency and three-point shot. He failed to live up to expectations on Friday as he shot an ugly 1-of-8 from the field for four points to go with four rebounds and four assists in 28 minutes.

Barrett missed all four shot attempts inside the arc, shot 1-of-4 from three, and 1-of-2 from the free-throw line. The one shot he hit from deep didn’t come until the end of the game, and at that point, it was already over for Canada.

Canada’s offense was abysmal overall, so it wasn’t just Barrett. The team shot 21-of-63 from the field (33.3%) and 8-of-30 from downtown (26.7%).

Knicks RJ Barrett’s inconsistency on display as Brazil stuns Canada at World Cup

Knicks fans know about RJ Barrett’s inconsistencies all too well. It’s been a common theme since the team drafted him in 2019. He couldn’t get it together at the start of the 2022-23 season, and although he started to get into a groove in December, it didn’t stay that way. The Barrett experience is similar to riding a rollercoaster.

The 23-year-old came alive in the 2023 playoffs and was key to New York securing a first-round victory over Cleveland. Barrett looked confident, attacking the basket rather than settling for bad looks. He carried that over to training camp and exhibition play for Canada, but his flaws were exposed in the team’s first game of the second round.

Canada wasn’t the only team in Group L to get upset on Friday. Spain, the defending champion, lost to Latvia, 74-69. Canada and Spain will go up against one another on Sunday in what should be a heated matchup, and the loser will go home.

Barrett and Canada can make history by having the first-ever podium finish at the men’s World Cup, but they’ll fail to do so if their journey ends in the second round.

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