Back to the New York Knicks Newsfeed

RJ Barrett must step up in absence of Julius Randle

The Knicks' RJ Barrett is fouled by the Wizards' Russell Westbrook, left, and Isaac Bonga during the second half of an NBA game on Thursday at Madison Square Garden. Credit: AP/Frank Franklin II

RJ Barrett has managed to step forward, showing an increasing maturity level game by game as the Knicks second option behind Julius Randle this season. But Saturday night with the Knicks facing a shorthanded, but still dangerous Milwaukee Bucks, Barrett was being counted on to be the first option.

The Knicks were without Julius Randle, who suffered a contused right thigh Thursday. Randle, in an All-Star season, had not missed a game to this point.