On Monday night, the New York Knicks faced off against the Toronto Raptors at home and the audience was ready to root for their team.
The Knicks have been more consistent lately, mostly due to the hard work of Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle.
But it would be a different star who created the most memorable moment of the night.
RJ BARRETT SENDS IT TO OVERTIME 🔥 pic.twitter.com/nfXSK9PrCi
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 16, 2023
In the final second of the game, the Raptors were up by just two points.
After a missed free throw by Toronto, RJ Barrett grabbed the ball and started moving from coast to coast.
As he approached the perimeter, he had a choice to make – and Barrett bet on himself.
Instead of passing to another player, he went straight for the basket and slammed down the ball for two points, tying the game with just .7 seconds left and sending the match into overtime.
In the end, the Raptors ended up winning in overtime, 123-121, but this play by Barrett was still quite memorable and special.
For one, it was another great showing from Barrett, who is averaging 20 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists a game.
But the final moments of regulation showed that the Knicks have depth.
Instead of finding another player to put up a perimeter shot, Barrett went straight into the paint.
The Knicks can be unpredictable at times and their opponents don’t know if the ball will end in Brunson’s hands for a two-or-three-pointer, Randle’s for a dunk, or someone like Barrett’s for either one of those.
This is important because it makes the team versatile.
The Knicks are currently healthy and looking much better so their next few games against the Washington Wizards, Atlanta Hawks, and Toronto Raptors will be very important.
NEXT: NBA Fans Must Start Taking The Knicks Seriously