The Knicks head into game two with good vibes following them, as New York can take a 2-0 series lead over the Cavaliers with a win on Tuesday night before heading to what will be an electric Madison Square Garden for game three.
But for Sal Licata, there is one major sour note for the Knicks, and that is the performance of RJ Barrett, who he says is holding New York back from taking the next step.
"He stinks!" Sal said. "I'm sorry, enough of RJ Barrett. Stop shooting the ball! He needed to get off the floor down the stretch…he's terrible! He is the thing holding the Knicks back. Him not being able to shoot the basketball is why the Knicks aren't championship caliber."
Barrett, despite taking a noticeable step back on the defensive end this season, seemed to play solid defense in Saturday's game one victory, but his shooting on the offensive end was not good, to say the least. The former No. 3 overall pick shot 2-for-12 from the field and just 1-for-5 from downtown, finishing as a -13 on the night.
The season as a whole hasn't been a great one for Barrett, who shot 31 percent from beyond the arc, but many point to his young age (22) as a reason to believe that he will find another level. But Sal is ready to move on, and says the Knicks would be better off.
"The Knicks have a shot, but RJ Barrett is infuriating," Sal said. "Just stick to his game. Attack the rim. That's it. He cannot be on the floor at the end of these games. He can't shoot, he's a liability."
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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