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RJ Barrett has sensational NBA debut as Knicks drop season opener

By Kevin Connelly

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 07: RJ Barrett #8 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket against Landry Nnoko #36 of the Phoenix Suns during the 2019 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 7, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 07: RJ Barrett #8 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket against Landry Nnoko #36 of the Phoenix Suns during the 2019 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 7, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks opened its season in San Antonio against the Spurs and former Duke Basketball star R.J. Barrett was sensational in his NBA debut.

The starting point guard battle for the New York Knicks was between Dennis Smith Jr., Frank Ntilikina, and Elfrid Payton.

The winner of that battle?

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R.J. Barrett.

The No. 3 overall pick of the 2019 NBA Draft made his NBA debut on Wednesday night and the former Duke Blue Devil was sensational despite the Knicks’ loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

Barrett started his night in the starting lineup as the point guard and ended his night with 37 minutes played while scoring 21 points on 9-of-13 shooting, 1-of-3 from 3-point range, and 2-of-4 from the free throw line.

The consensus All-American also added five rebounds, two assists, and two steals in New York’s 120-111 loss.

The Knicks led by as many as six points in the fourth quarter but the defense could not compensate for the lack of offense down the stretch as the Spurs were able to pull away mid-way through the final quarter.

In his lone season at Duke, Barrett averaged 22.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game while shooting 45.4% from the field and 30.8% from 3-point range.

Throughout the NBA Summer League and NBA Preseason, Barrett received criticism for his poor shooting percentage and willingness to shoot in every situation, but on Wednesday night he took what the defense gave him and capitalized on all his opportunities.

R.J. Barrett and the New York Knicks are on the road once again on Friday, October 25 as the team travels to face Kyrie Irving and cross-town rival Brooklyn Nets as the former Blue Devil scored 50 points in his Nets debut on Wednesday night. The start time between the two New York rivals is set for 7:30pm EST and the game can be seen on the YES Network or the MSG Network.

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