RJ Barrett’s improvement outside the 3-point arc has been well documented this season, but the Knicks sophomore guard has also improved his efficiency from the free-throw line since his rookie campaign.
Barrett’s percentage of the streak has increased from 61.4 percent last year to 73.6 percent this season. He got an error on a 3-point attempt and quietly sank all three freebies to tie the score with 37.0 seconds remaining in the regulations in Friday’s extra time at the Grizzlies.
‘I looked at it all year round. And I think his confidence comes from all the extra time he puts in, ”said Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau after the game about Barrett. ‘I think he’s showing his growth and maturity. He didn’t get upset. It didn’t go the way we wanted. Just stay on track, fought through. “
Barrett added another game tying with 8.8 seconds to go in the fourth quarter, and he grabbed a go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:15 overtime left. After a slow start, he scored 15 of his 20 points in the last quarter and extra session.
‘The shooting piece has been enormous. And then his finish has also been greatly improved. But his all-round game was great, ”said Thibodeau. “His work ethic is top notch. His attitude and approach are top notch. He’s a team first man. He is 20 years old and he is only getting better. “
Alec Burks had only scored 14 points in total on 4-for-16 shots in 58 minutes in his previous three appearances, but the veteran guard scored 19 points off the bench on Friday, including nine in extra time.
The Knicks honored Yonkers-bred rapper DMX, who died Friday after a week of life support after a heart attack, with a scoreboard tribute between the first two quarters and with a RIP message on the marquee outside the yard. The 50-year-old, three-time Grammy nominee, real name was Earl Simmons.