RJ Barrett Proves To Be Difference Maker As Knicks Dismantle Cavaliers
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The names that many Cleveland Cavaliers fans focused on heading into their series with the New York Knicks were Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, and Josh Hart. Those players are the clear heart and soul of the team, but there's one other player that was forgotten about.
That player is former third-overall draft pick, R.J. Barrett.
Barrett was a nonfactor in the first two games in Cleveland and was quickly overlooked. He scored seven points in Game 1 and 14 in Game 2. However, he reminded everyone what he is capable of after an incredible performance in Game 3.
The Duke product was an essential part of keeping New York afloat in the first quarter as they started the game off cold from the field. Barrett had 10 points in the first and finished the first half with 14 as the Knicks started to pull away.
He finished the game with 19 points and was the second-leading scorer for New York behind Brunson who finished the night with 21.
This explosion shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone and it's shocking it took RJ this long to assert himself in the series. He averaged 19.6 points during the regular season and has been in the starting rotation that got the Knicks to where they're at.
The Cavs have a tough task ahead of them if Barrett comes out in Game 4 playing as well as he did on Friday. J.B. Bickerstaff already has his hands tied with figuring out matchups for Brunson and Randle. If Barrett emerges as a third option that can easily drop 20 points or more then they're in trouble.
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