The New York Knicks are outdoing all expectations this season. Led by Julius Randle and RJ Barrett, they are currently on course to make the playoffs for the first time since 2013.

Despite this success, Knicks fans aren’t completely satisfied, and rightly so. Many fans tweeted about how Barrett, their second-best player, isn’t getting the ball enough. During tonight’s win over the Raptors, Barrett was often just waiting in the corner for the ball. Meanwhile, Julius Randle was dribbling the ball and taking poor shots.

Knicks fans felt that it should have Barrett with the ball, because he can make things happen with the rock.

RJ Barrett proves why he should get the ball

Being the second-best player on the team is a good enough reason itself. But along with that, Barrett has great ball handles and can also create his own shot. When he is unable to create an opportunity for himself, his underrated passing skills come into play.

Finally, he may have missed a potential game-winner against the Timberwolves, but Barrett has proved he is a clutch player. Tonight he shot a crucial three-pointer, which was the dagger to seal the game. After a lot of poor decisions throughout the game, Randle made a smart decision to pass the ball to Barrett, who made no mistake.

He got the ball with around 36 seconds left, and the Knicks only had a one-point lead. His three-pointer extended the lead to four and gave them the room they needed to eventually win the game.

Barrett ended the game with 19 points, while shooting 7-12 from the field and 3-6 from three. Despite him being in hot form, the Knicks allowed Reggie Bullock to rack up 11 shots while making just four. Randle was terrible too, going 7-19, when he could have let Barrett take over the game instead.

Knicks need to run more plays for Barrett

A lot of Barrett’s shots come from catch-and-shoot opportunities. He has developed excellent off-ball movement and creates enough separation to knock down the shot wherever he gets it. But his excellence in that area doesn’t mean the Knicks should only allow him to score from such chances.

Barrett is a capable finisher at the rim, and can also play smart pick and roll. He showed that against the Raptors in the few chances he got. He has a bright future with the Knicks, but they need to use him better.

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