Barrett’s stellar performance forces Knicks-Heat series to Game 6

Final 3:11 WILD ENDING #8 HEAT vs #5 KNICKS! | May 10, 2023

New York Knicks forward RJ Barrett showed an exceptional display in Game 5 on Wednesday, leading the team to a 112-103 triumph against Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden.

This triumph has allowed the Knicks to extend their playoff campaign, and they will continue to compete in Game 6 on Friday.

Throughout this series, Barrett has been a reliable player for the Knicks, along with star guard Jalen Brunson.

“There’s nothing really to celebrate,” Brunson said after the game. “We obviously won and we get to see another day. This was great but we have to get one down there.”

The Knicks are currently in a series deficit, but Barrett remains optimistic that his team can overcome the situation.

“We’re fighting for our lives,” Barrett told MSG after the victory. “This is something that can be done. It’s been done 13 times before.”

The Canadian referred to the 13 teams in playoff history that overcame a 3-1 series deficit and emerged as the winners.

“Playoffs,” Barrett said. “Their guys are playing a lot of minutes, too. This is what it is. You got to kind of scratch and claw and do whatever you can to win the game.”

Barrett’s performance

With a final tally of 26 points, Barrett demonstrated his scoring prowess by converting eight of his 17 shooting attempts. In Game 5, he consistently attacked the basket, effectively maneuvering through Miami’s 2-3 zone defense and excelling in scoring from the midrange.

In addition to securing seven rebounds, the 22-year-old displayed an impressive defensive performance throughout the evening. Barrett’s contributions were instrumental in containing Heat star Jimmy Butler.

The player, previously selected as the third overall pick, had shown inconsistency in his previous performances. On Wednesday, however, Barrett elevated his performance to 22.0 points and 4.8 rebounds to outshine many of his struggling teammates, having entered the game with an average of 19.4 points and 4.4 rebounds.