R.J. Barrett Reveals Knicks’ Mindset After Game 5 Win vs. Heat

New York kept its season alive with a crucial victory on Wednesday.

Knicks forward R.J. Barrett had a big night during the crucial Game 5 win against the Heat. With the Eastern Conference semifinals set to shift back to Miami for Game 6, Barrett explained the team’s mindset heading into another do-or-die game.

Speaking postgame on MSG, Barrett indicated the team’s series deficit is a challenge, but not insurmountable.

“We’re fighting for our lives,” said Barrett after the win on Wednesday. “This is something that can be done. It’s been done 13 times before.”

Barrett is referencing the previous 13 teams who have staved off a 3–1 deficit in the playoffs and won the series. He’s hopeful the Knicks can steal a win in Miami on Friday and position themselves to increase that figure to 14 teams. 

"We're fighting for our lives right now ... This is something that can be done. It's been done before 13 times."

RJ Barrett on the Knicks coming back down 3-1. pic.twitter.com/84f69fRHwN

— KNICKS ON MSG (@KnicksMSGN) May 11, 2023

Barrett scored 26 points in the win, but he’s focusing on the task at hand, and that's Game 6.

Entering Wednesday night, the Knicks were 0–14 in games in which they trailed a series 3–1. They managed their first win on their home floor against the Heat in Game 5, though they’ll now look to pick up a win in Miami, where they lost two games earlier in the series.