New York Knicks wing R.J. Barrett began his second NBA season as well as he or any Knicks fans could have possibly imagined. (Almost) literally.

Barrett was perfect from the field in the first half against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night. The 20-year-old lefty made all eight of his field-goal attempts, including three splashes from downtown. His lone miss came on one of his two free-throw attempts.

Barrett showed off multiple levels of offensive repertoire. Early on, the Knicks sophomore spotted up for a couple of smooth 3-pointers. Then, he maneuvered his way into the lane for a tough finish in the paint—an aspect of his game with which he struggled as a rookie.

He also went coast-to-coast for a beautiful transition take.

Earlier in the second quarter, he found himself on the receiving end of a beautiful dime from rookie Obi Toppin, ending in a fast-break slam.

Article Continues Below
More New York Knicks News
New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau reacts in the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers during game five of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden
Knicks rumors: How player input factored into New York’s decision to fire Tom ThibodeauQuinn Allen ·
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) talks with Assistant Coach Rick Brunson in the third quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Madison Square Garden.
Bill Simmons questions the role Jalen Brunson’s dad will play in Knicks’ HC searchJulian Ojeda ·
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd looks on during the second quarter against the Toronto Raptors at the American Airlines Center.
NBA rumors: Knicks expected to make Jason Kidd request after Tom Thibodeau firingJoey Mistretta ·
Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns looking sad, with Lakers, Warriors, Bucks, Suns, Mavericks, Spurs, Rockets, Cavs logos all over him
Ranking 4 Karl-Anthony Towns trade destinations if Knicks blow it upJedd Pagaduan ·
Knicks' Mikal Bridges looking serious, with Lakers, Warriors, Thunder, 76ers, Pistons, Rockets, Spurs logos around him, question marks all over
Ranking 5 Mikal Bridges trade destinations if Knicks blow it upJedd Pagaduan ·
Knicks logo in the middle, with head cutouts (head only) of Landry Shamet, PJ Tucker, Delon Wright, Cameron Payne, Precious Achiuwa around the logo, question marks all over
3 best players New York Knicks must re-sign in 2025 NBA free agencyJedd Pagaduan ·

Barrett entered the Bankers Life Fieldhouse locker room at halftime with 20 points, three assists, and two rebounds. The sophomore seems to be carrying over the form he displayed in the preseason. Barrett averaged 17.8 points per game on 50.9 percent shooting in the Knicks' four tune-up contests.

As a rookie, Barrett flashed the basketball instincts that made him the No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 draft, but he had issues with his shot amid the Knicks' spacing woes. He averaged 14.3 points, five rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game in 2019-20, shooting 40.2 percent from the floor, 32.0 percent from 3, and 61.4 percent from the charity stripe.

In Tom Thibodeau's New York coaching debut, his team led the Pacers, 66-61, after an entertaining first half largely bereft of defense. The Knicks shot 55.8 percent from the field (24-of-43) and made eight of their 15 3-point attempts.

I'm sure Knicks fans won't completely overreact to one half of one game.