RJ Barrett scored 28 points with 14 rebounds and 6 assists to carry the Knicks to the solid win over the LA Clippers at Madison Square Garden. Julius Randle also played a strong game — 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists — making it like old times for the Knicks as their Batman and Robin tag team carried them to the win on a Sunday afternoon.
With the win, the Knicks improve their record to 23-24.
1. Barrett Playing Like a Star
Game after game now, RJ Barrett takes it to the hole constantly attacking — drawing contact that he thrives against — or passing out for scores from other Knicks. The Knick offense has started to revolve around Barrett’s drives.
RJ BARRETT AGAIN. AND-OOOOOONE pic.twitter.com/I9P7Ub2TQX
— KNICKS ON MSG (@KnicksMSGN) January 23, 2022
In this game he was scoring efficiently inside and outside — 9-24 shooting (3-5 from 3 and an important 7-7 from the free throw line) — and then there is the rebounding and defense on the other end of the court. Barrett rips down secondary rebounds and seems to be all over the court. Coach Tom Thibodeau had him out there for 43 minutes.
RJ breaking out the euro 🔥
23 points now pic.twitter.com/ayqKcojtr4
— KNICKS ON MSG (@KnicksMSGN) January 23, 2022
“I am hungry for more. I want more for the team, but for myself as well,” said Barrett afterwards. “I think that if I continue to be aggressive like I’ve been the past couple of games, like I was tonight, I think probably anything is possible.”
Barrett added: “I want to continue to be able to make plays like I did today, score and defend and rebound, really do it all out there on the court for the team and kind of be the guy that does whatever the team needs.”
2. Randle Good
Julius Randle finally had a good game — he’s been struggling. In this one, playing against his old friend Marcus Morris up front — Randle shot 8-15 (3-7 from 3, 6-7 in free throws) for the 24 points. He did have 7 turnovers.
.@IQ_GodSon THREADS THE NEEDLE
.@J30_RANDLE THROWS IT DOWN pic.twitter.com/VLEd1jaAi8
— KNICKS ON MSG (@KnicksMSGN) January 23, 2022
3. Other Knicks
Nerlens Noel played (he’s been in and out this year with the knee issue) and played well — 8 pts on 4-5 shooting in 26 minutes with 3 steals and a block.
Nerlens ain't havin' it pic.twitter.com/rhtvCVB2Zp
— KNICKS ON MSG (@KnicksMSGN) January 23, 2022
Mitchell Robinson started at center and had 8 points on 3-6 shooting with 8 rebounds.
Evan Fournier added 14 points, Alec Burks 10 points, Immanuel Quickley 8 points, and Quentin Grimes 6 points.
Cam Reddish got 5 minutes and scored 2 points.
Reggie Jackson was a pest for the Clippers — penetrating and scoring at an efficient 10-18 clip for 26 points.
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