The depleted New York Knicks might've ended 2021 with a disappointing loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, but RJ Barrett insists better times are ahead this year.

The Canadian guard spoke after the game about how he believes that no one should sleep on the Knicks as they slowly improve and get healthy:

The Knicks are still under .500, but Tom Thibodeau's squad has gone 5-5 in their last 10 games and just won three straight, which is definitely a step in the right direction. NY was held to just 80 points against OKC, but the rotation was severely shorthanded, with Julius Randle out due to COVID while Kemba Walker was a last-minute scratch due to knee soreness. Derrick Rose is also on the shelf and Nerlens Noel is in health and safety protocols.

The Knicks will be looking to turn things around in a hurry, but it won't be easy when they're missing such key players. Barrett certainly did his part on Friday though, dropping a game-high 26 points. Obi Toppin received his first NBA start in place of Randle, but he had just five points.

The Knicks kick-off 2022 on Sunday against the Toronto Raptors. Hopefully, the squad can bounce back and grab a much-needed win. Let's hope New York can back up Barrett's comments and make a run at a playoff spot.