Nov 11, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard RJ Barrett (9) reacts after making a basket against the Detroit Pistons during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
NBA: Detroit Pistons at New York Knicks
RJ Barrett scores a season-high 30 points in Friday’s win over the Detroit Pistons 121-112.
Hopefully this game is the point we look back on as the game where Barrett flipped the switch as the scorer we expected him to be this season. His 20 point first half was tied for the most points in a half by any Knicks player this season. With what seems to be a slower rollout with breakout scoring games, after the 30 point affair, Barrett still tops this season off as the highest scoring of his short, four-year career.
A big reason for this surge is his finishing. The lefty was often touted as a one-handed finisher, and despite not seeing much of the right, he’s finding it easier to actually put the ball in the basket when at the rim. Per cleaning the glass, his 61% shooting at the rim is the highest mark of his career, and the first time he is within punching chance of being at league-average in his position. Efficiency has always been the black-eye on Barrett’s scoring resume.
Four years into his career, Barrett has yet to eclipse the very attainable league-average mark in true shooting percentage. Despite this, he has still posted a career high in that category this season.
His improvement as a spot up shooter has certainly helped him in that regard. Barrett is shooting a career-low 31.4% from beyond the arc, but most of it is tanked by his pullup game. As a spot up shooter, he’s showing an acceptable 54% effective field goal percentage.
“You definitely look to feed him more and definitely continue to let him go,” said Jalen Brunson after the win. “He’s a smart player. When he sees a defense collapse he’s able to make plays.”
Barrett looks to continue his career scoring year against the young Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday.
