Knicks’ RJ Barrett raised his game to silent criticism

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NBA

By Zach Braziller

April 27, 2023 | 00:42

CLEVELAND RJ Barrett had done his best to eliminate outside noise. He stayed away from social media. Don’t let criticism find your ears or your eyes.

But after Game 2, he couldn’t help it.

During his post-game interview, he could hear the televisions in the background, and ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith was tearing him apart after a forgettable performance.

Barrett insisted he didn’t mind.

He’s heard skeptics for years dating back to his days as a top prospect in high school.

People didn’t like me all my life, he said, so I really didn’t care.

Over the past three games, he has silenced the critics, performing on the big stage.

He was a key figure in the Knicks’ 106-95 eventual victory over the Cavaliers on Wednesday night, producing 21 points on 7 of 13 shooting, four rebounds and four assists after starring in both Knicks wins at the Garden this weekend.

RJ Barrett drives to the rim in the Knicks’ Game 5 win over the Cavaliers on April 26. Charles Wenzelberg/NY PostRJ Barrett assuaged much of the criticism around him. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post

He had arguably the two biggest baskets in Game 4, five straight points early in the fourth quarter to restart a 15-6 run that gave the Knicks the lead for good.

Now they are in the Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time in a decade.

It’s amazing, it’s special, said Barrett, one of the oldest Knicks. It is an honor. But we worked for it. I worked for that, something we’ve been trying to do especially since I came here.

That’s one of Barretts, 22’s best qualities, his self-confidence.

He is able to rise above poor performance and the criticism that comes with it.

Some of that has been in the spotlight since her high school days.

Having a father, Rowan Barrett, who has been around the game all his life and is currently the general manager of the Canadian national team, also helps.

Bad games are coming. It’s the NBA. Everyone has bad days in life, said RJ Barrett. They will arrive. It’s really how you bounce back, how you try to play well or do the things you need to do to be constantly prepared.

Two years ago in his playoff debut, Barrett struggled, averaging 14.4 points on 38.8 percent shooting in a five-game loss to the Hawks.

RJ Barrett shoots in the Knicks Game 5 win over the Cavaliers on April 26. Charles Wenzelberg/NY Post

But he learned a valuable lesson from this series, specifically how important every game is at this time of year.

I was playing like it was a normal game, but it’s not,” Barrett said, recalling his playoff introduction. Every little hustle game that you can do, whether you’re there and someone’s traveling, or you’re having a flight, all those little possessions that they help.

Throughout this series, Barrett has emphasized the importance of going the extra mile.

The Knicks hit a different level in their four wins, playing with an intensity the Cavaliers couldn’t match.

Two years ago it was the exact opposite.

We just did the same thing, Barrett marveled, thinking back to that disappointing result Atlanta gave us.

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