Knicks Notes: RJ Barrett's lingering knee soreness, preparing for San Antonio's star rookie Victor Wembanyama
RJ Barrett looked comfortable on the court Monday night after missing two games with a knee issue.
He had 26 points (6-for-6 from the free-throw line), six rebounds and four assists to help lift New York to a win over the Clippers. It may have looked easy for Barrett, but he was playing through discomfort.
“Just trying not to think about it. Still a little sore, playing through it,” Barrett said after the game.
The Knicks say Barrett is dealing with patellar tendinopathy in his left knee. He was seen wearing a sizable brace on the knee when he was out of the game Monday, though, he did not wear it on the court.
“I’m going to have to live with the pain. Got to be mentally tough, fight through it,” he said.
The Knicks will probably keep a close eye on Barrett’s knee. He’s been one of the most impactful players in this early season, shooting 43 percent from beyond the arc and creating quality looks for himself and his teammates.
New York has outscored opponents by 39 with Barrett on the floor this year.
“He’s grown. He’s a gifted scorer. He was making plays, he’s getting downhill,” Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said of the fifth-year player. “Defensively, I think he’s made great strides.”
Barrett expects the discomfort in his knee to linger for a bit; the injury isn’t the result of a specific play but general wear and tear.
“I’ve just been playing a lot of basketball. Things are going to happen. It’s okay,” he said.
Barrett played in 73 games last season and two postseason rounds. He then played for Team Canada in the FIBA World Cup, winning the bronze medal in the tournament, which ended on Sept. 10.
Barrett’s left knee pain presumably flared up last week in Cleveland, as he didn’t play late in that game and then missed the next two games (loss vs. Cavs; loss at MIL).
“(It’s) something I’ve got to deal with for a little bit,” he said late Monday. “But continuing to get treatment and just staying on top of what I need to do and I’ll be okay.”
GETTING DEFENSIVE
The Knicks collectively got out of their shooting slump in the second half on Monday night. They went 9-for-17 from beyond the arc and shot 54 percent overall in the second half.
Barrett and Julius Randle went a combined 12-for-23 in the half and the Knicks reserves hit eight of their 12 attempts.
“Second half we found a rhythm, saw the ball go in, but the playmaking was terrific,” Thibodeau said.
New York entered play Monday with the worst field goal percentage in the NBA, but they got easy baskets against Los Angeles, outscoring them 26-6 in fast-break points.
“We turned them over, got out in the open floor,” Donte DiVincenzo said postgame. “I think we’re really good in the open floor and pushing pace. Because then guys can get rhythm shots. And then when we slow down in the half court everybody’s in a rhythm, everybody’s feeling comfortable.”
The Knicks’ scoring showed up on Monday, but their defense has been steady for much of the season.
They ranked No. 2 in the league in points allowed per 100 possessions after Monday’s win. They entered the game ranked first in rebounding percentage, points allowed in the paint and second-chance points allowed.
Mitchell Robinson has been in the middle of all of it.
He’s the top offensive rebounder in the NBA thus far. He disrupts pick and roll play; his presence at the rim allows the Knicks to be more aggressive defending the perimeter.
“Mitch is a true professional, just does his job. No plays run for him, just go get the ball,” DiVincenzo said. “And he has a knack for trying to find offensive rebounding, tipping it to himself. So I just respect the hell out of him just coming in and just doing his job every single day.”
On Wednesday, Robinson will be tasked with slowing down Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama. The 7-foot-4 19-year-old is averaging 20 points and eight rebounds while shooting 49 percent from the field.
“I’m going to play him just like he’s one of those like Kristaps Porzingis, kind of (players). Who else play like that? Bol Bol? Just got a mix them two together. I kind of got a feel how it should go,” Robinson said of guarding Wembanyama.
“He’s going to be on the perimeter a lot. I’ve just got to move my feet,” he said. “Just gotta get ready for that.”
