RJ Barrett has been series-changing x-factor for New York Knicks

When the New York Knicks needed it most, RJ Barrett emerged as a series-changing x-factor against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

After a narrow four-point win in Game 1, it seemed as if the Cleveland Cavaliers simply ran out of time. Then after a 17-point win in Game 2, it felt as if the Cavs were back in control of the series. Even though it was a 1-1 series tie after two games, the overwhelming opinion was that the Cavs were the better team through two games. Then, the New York Knicks dominated Games 3 and 4.

Now, heading into Game 5, the Knicks own a 3-1 series lead and are on the verge of punching their ticket to the Eastern Conference semifinals (awaiting the winner of the first-round series between the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks).

As the Knicks took a stranglehold on the series, you can’t help but wonder what changed between Game 2 and Games 3 and 4. One name: RJ Barrett. In Games 1 and 2 combined, Barrett totaled 21 points, seven rebounds, and six assists on 24 percent shooting from the field and 13 percent shooting from 3-point range. But it’s almost as if something clicked as soon as Barrett got back to New York.

In Games 3 and 4, he’s been a completely different player. In those two games combined, Barrett totaled 45 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists on 57 percent shooting from the field. He’s made the series-changing x-factor for the Knicks against the Cavs.

He’s been the difference in this series. Once Barrett started playing at a high level, the Knicks have clearly taken the advantage of two teams that were pretty equally matched before the start of the series.

As one of the most polarizing players on the Knicks’ roster, Barrett has stepped up in Games 3 and 4. And the Knicks hold a 3-1 series lead in large part because of that. With all questions surrounding his poor play through the first two games of this series, Barrett has answered the bell and has been the difference.

The New York Knicks are on the verge of making history

It’s been a long time since the Knicks were relevant in the Eastern Conference. But the Knicks are on the verge of making the Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time since 2013 and for the second time since 2000.

The work isn’t done just yet, though. And winning the final game won’t be easy for New York.

As the saying goes, closing out the opponent is always the hardest win to get in the NBA Playoffs. Especially considering that Game 5 is slated for Cleveland. The place will be rocking as the Cavs fight for their playoff lives. And if Cleveland manages to win Game 5, all of a sudden all of the pressure will shift back to New York in Game 6.

But this is exactly the spot the Knicks hoped to be in when they assembled this team during the offseason. There were many doubters when they signed Brunson during the offseason, but he’s been the leader that the Knicks have needed and then some. The continued development of Barrett and the bounce-back season from Julius Randle has the Knicks on the verge of making history.