Knicks' RJ Barrett Downplays Sideline Spat with Obi Toppin: 'We Squashed It'

The New York Knicks' 130-116 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night was overshadowed by an argument between RJ Barrett and Obi Toppin in the third quarter.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Barrett downplayed the situation and said they "squashed it" right away.

"We good," Barrett explained. "We see each other basically every day. You tell me that you haven't had an argument with a family member before. You know what I'm saying? You had an argument with a family member before. That was all it was. Right after the timeout, we squashed it."

The incident occurred in front of the Knicks' bench during a timeout. Head coach Tom Thibodeau and a couple of assistant coaches separated both players, but the issue seemed to be over right away when they spoke on the court.

Thibodeau also didn't think there was anything to be concerned about, telling reporters this type of thing "probably happens more than people realize."

There was no indication from the Knicks' performance they were bothered by anything that happened. Their 130 points scored was the fourth-highest total allowed by Cleveland's defense this season.

The Knicks became the first team to score more than 120 points against the Cavs since the Denver Nuggets on Jan. 6 (121).

Toppin had one of his most efficient scoring games of the season with 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting from the field (2-of-2 from three).

Barrett didn't have his best offensive game with 14 points on 6-of-17 shooting, but he led all Knicks starters in plus-minus at plus-10 in 30 minutes.

Since losing six of nine games from March 7-23, the Knicks have won three straight and have opened up a lead of 2.5 games over the Brooklyn Nets for the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference.

There's an outside shot the Knicks can catch Cleveland for the fourth spot, though it's unlikely because they have to make up three games with four games left in the regular season.

New York can clinch a playoff berth on Saturday if the Miami Heat lose to the Dallas Mavericks.