OG Anunoby made a great first impression in New York on Monday, and north of the border RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley made similar first impressions.
Anunoby lived up to the hype and helped the Knicks to an impressive win for both teams against the Timberwolves, but Barrett enjoyed a strong return home and Quickley was a starter in the Raptors' home win over the Cavaliers.
“Hey, the last two days have been really crazy. But [Monday] It was a lot of fun,” said Barrett, a Toronto native who received a standing ovation during pregame introductions. “[The crowd reaction] It meant a lot. I'm a local kid just trying to win for the fans. It felt great trying to win for the country.
“When we got the win and the game just started, a lot of energy got us going throughout the game, they pushed, they scored runs, and we were able to stay strong and get the dub. . This is something special and I will always be grateful.”
Barrett had 19 points and nine rebounds in 29 minutes, while Quickley, the runner-up for last season's NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award, was making his first start this season and scored 14 points, making 2 of 5 games. He recorded a hit. He made a 3-pointer in the 28th minute.
[The coaches told me to] Just be yourself,” Quickley said. “There was a reason why they wanted me here, and I want to make the most of that and work hard every day.
“It's like picking up people.” [basketball] Little by little, it's a lot easier when you're playing with great players, so I give them credit for making it easier for me. ”
Knicks forward Julius Randle posted a video of himself watching Barrett and Quickley's debut on his Instagram Story on Monday night with the caption, “Let's go, Lil Bros.”
Barrett also talked about growing up rooting for the Raptors and attending games at what is now called Scotiabank Arena.
His father, former St. John's player Rowan Barrett, is the GM of the Canadian basketball team, and RJ played for the national team in the FIBA World Cup over the summer.
“I remember seeing Demar.” [DeRozan] Jose Calderon and I remember when Kyle Lowry came in. I have a lot of early memories of just going to games and being a fan and always being excited,” Barrett said. “So it's going to be different playing here on the court now.”
Malachi Flynn, who returned to the Knicks after being traded to the Raptors, missed Wednesday's home game with a sprained right ankle. Zach LaVine (foot), Nikola Vucevic (adductor) and Torrey Craig (plantar fascia sprain) missed Chicago's game against the 76ers on Tuesday.
