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NBA Playoffs 2023: 3 keys to watch in Knicks-Heat after Miami’s Game 1 win

By Jonathan Lurensky

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 30: Immanuel Quickley #5 of the New York Knicks walks off the court after game one of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Madison Square Garden on April 30, 2023 in New York City. The Miami Heat defeated the New York Knicks 108-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 30: Immanuel Quickley #5 of the New York Knicks walks off the court after game one of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Madison Square Garden on April 30, 2023 in New York City. The Miami Heat defeated the New York Knicks 108-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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NBA Playoffs, New York Knicks, Miami Heat
New York Knicks, RJ Barrett. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 key to Knicks-Heat series: How does RJ Barrett perform offensively?

RJ Barrett had two bad games in the first part of the series against Cleveland. In Game 1, he went 2-of-12 from the floor with seven points. He stayed cold in Game 2, going 4-of-13. However, ended up playing very well toward the end of the series. He had 19 or more points and shot above 50 percent in each of the last three games.

If the Knicks want to win this series against Heat, they will need to have Barrett play as he did in the second half of the series rather than the first half.

Unfortunately, Barrett didn’t come through in Game 1 against Miami, notably struggling in the second half. He shot just 2-of-13 from the field and failed to take advantage of good looks in addition to forcing the issue too much at times as well.

Playoff Jimmy Butler will be the best player on the court, assuming he can bounce bck from his injury on Sunday. Still, the Knicks can win this series if they are able to have a wider range of dependable offensive firepower in this series. Particularly with Randle missing Game 1 and his status uncertain moving forward, Barrett has to step up.

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