Former Duke basketball star RJ Barrett has been dominating one specific opponent.
Every athlete has his or her favorite opponent to play against, and for one former Duke basketball standout, it’s becoming clear which team he loves to play against.
RJ Barrett is in the midst of a sophomore jump for the surging New York Knicks. Yes, the surging New York Knicks (17-17).
The former Blue Devil has played a major role for the Knicks, who currently sit at .500 on the season and are No. 5 in the Eastern Conference standings.
New York was able to defeat the Indiana Pacers (15-17), 110-107, at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.
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RJ Barrett posted 24 points, seven rebounds, and two assists on 8-of-17 shooting from the field and 4-of-6 from three-point range.
Barrett would have been a selection for the Rising Stars Game for the second straight year if the event was being held this year.
Most events at the 2021 All-Star Game will take place on Sunday with the dunk contest coming at halftime, but other events have been canceled due to health and safety protocols.
Duke basketball star thrives against Indiana Pacers
New York has played three games against Indiana this season, and RJ Barrett has thrived in each one.
Barrett is averaging 25.0 points per game against the Pacers this season while shooting 57.4-percent from the field and 78.6-percent from three-point range.
The former Blue Devil is also posting 6.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game against Indiana.
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On the season, RJ Barrett is averaging 16.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game on 43.0-percent shooting and 33.9-percent from three-point range.
Unfortunately for Barrett, the Knicks are not scheduled to play the Indiana Pacers for the remainder of the regular season as New York will return to the court on Sunday, February 28 against the Detroit Pistons (9-24).
The Knicks have three games remaining before the All-Star break.