Knicks’ RJ Barrett not letting shooting woes get him down: ‘I’m fine’

Knicks’ RJ Barrett not letting shooting woes get him down: ‘I’m fine’

RJ Barrett isn’t letting his shooting struggles hurt his confidence. He still hoisted up 22 shots in the Knicks’ 132-129 overtime loss to the Trail Blazers on Friday night and insisted he isn’t questioning himself.

“I’m fine,” he said. “Don’t worry about me. I’m fine.”

After going 6 of 22 from the field, and 1 of 7 from deep, Barrett is just 36 of 114 over his last seven games. He did shoot better in Monday’s win over the Thunder, going 10 of 16 from the field for 25 points, but he took a step back against Portland.

Coach Tom Thibodeau felt Barrett was looking for contact on some of his drives in the first half, and not aggressively attacking the rim enough.

“They were getting everything, I thought I would get some. Sheesh,” he said, referring to the Trail Blazers attempting 51 free throws. “Second half I started going in more aggressively, trying to finish. I played a little better.”

Barrett finished the night with 19 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.

RJ Barrett slams home a dunk during the Knicks' 132-129 overtime loss to the Trail Blazers.RJ Barrett slams home a dunk during the Knicks’ 132-129 overtime loss to the Trail Blazers.Robert Sabo

Mitchell Robinson had 12 points, eight rebounds and two blocks in 23 minutes after feeling discomfort in Monday’s win over the Thunder in the right knee that cost him eight games. Robinson said he isn’t 100 percent, but feels it is important to be available.

For the third straight game, Thibodeau played all three centers. Robinson started while Jericho Sims and Isaiah Hartenstein both received rotational minutes off the bench. Hartenstein logged 17 minutes and Sims 13.

“It’s game-to-game. It’ll sort itself out,” Thibodeau said before the game. “I don’t think it’ll be like that every game. But I love the depth at that position. So all three guys are more than capable, all three can start, all three can come off the bench. It’s a good luxury to have.”


Derrick Rose (right toe) and Cam Reddish (right groin) remained out. Thibodeau said they are getting closer to returning. They both missed the finale of the five-game road trip on Monday against the Thunder.


The Trail Blazers were without superstar guard Damian Lillard (calf strain). The Knicks have missed a number of top opposing players recently, from Chris Paul of the Suns to Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets to Darius Garland of the Cavaliers. They are 1-3 in those games.