RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks controls the ball in the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022 in New York City. Credit: Jim McIsaac
RJ Barrett has had his struggles this season, the same as Julius Randle. But he has avoided the attention — and blame — that has rained down from the stands at Madison Square Garden on Randle.
On Tuesday night, maybe for the first time this season, Barrett was on center stage at the Garden, drawing the chants of his name from the crowd and even hearing them when Randle was standing on the foul line, clearly the hero for that night as he poured in 32 points and helped the Knicks to a much-needed win.