RJ Barrett erupts for 31 points to carry Canada in overtime win over Germany

It was a good day for RJ Barrett on the international stage. 

The Knicks star had a 31-point day for Canada against Germany in the finale of the DBB SuperCup tournament.

Barrett was instrumental in Canada’s 113-112 overtime win. 

The game was serving as a tune-up as Canada prepares for the upcoming FIBA World Cup, which begins later this month. 

RJ Barrett dunks during Canada’s win over Germany on Aug. 13. Getty Images

Barrett’s effort included scoring 11 of Canada’s final 17 points in the come-from-behind victory.

He also shot 13-of-14 and was a perfect 4-for-4 from three-point range. 

That’s without mentioning that Barrett scored the game-tying basket with 4.6 seconds left in regulation.

Barrett drove toward the basket and through two defenders before getting a layup to fall to even the score at 101. 

He also added five rebounds, an assist and a steal. 

“Overall, he was outstanding. Very efficient offensively,” Canada head coach Jordi Fernández told Canada Basketball’s website. “He’s been very clean with his decision-making, running the floor and attacking the paint, so this is exactly what we needed from him. This is exactly the production we want.”

All of this comes after Barrett had a good showing for Canada as it prepared for the World Cup.

“The kid from Mississauga” RJ Barrett is carrying Canada. Just scored 5 straight to send the game to OT in Germany. 25 points pic.twitter.com/yoGhkUdOIQ

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) August 13, 2023

He put up 11 points on 4-of-8 shooting against New Zealand in the previous game and had a 12-point effort against Germany in Canada’s first tune-up game. 

Barrett credited the players around him for making it easy for him on the court. 

“It felt good. [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander], [Kelly Olynyk] and the guys are out there making it easy for me to do my thing, but it’s been a lot of fun,” Barrett said.

RJ Barrett reacts during Canada’s win over Germany on Aug. 13. Getty Images RJ Barrett scored 11 of Canada’s final 17 points in the come-from-behind victory. Getty Images

Barrett wasn’t the only Knick that had a big day on the international stage.

Jalen Brunson had 22 points for the United States against Spain. 

The 23-year-old’s performance can only be a good sign for Canada and the Knicks, who would like to see a confident Barrett once training camp opens. 

Barrett is coming off a 2022-23 season in which he averaged 19.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 73 games for New York.