Barrett ends his slump

CHICAGO — RJ Barrett had been in a shooting tailspin recently, perhaps the overload of minutes getting to him or sharper scouting reports arriving.

But Barrettt blasted that slump away Tuesday with a potent 21 points, nine assists and six rebounds in the 120-102 loss to the Bulls at the United Center. Barrett made 8 of 16 shots, though still struggled from the line where he was 3 of 6.

“I’m just telling you we have a special kid,’’ Fizdale said. “I know with all the suffering we’re going through, one of the true bright lights on this team is RJ Barrett. This kid is just going to keep getting better and he’s so easy to coach and wants to be a great player in this league and not just a great player but a leader.’’

Barrett believes he is blessed to have Fizdale, who has played him 35.3 minutes a night and stuck with him despite a few rough outings.

With Fizdale’s job security of issue after president Steve Mills and general manager Scott Perry seemingly put him on a 10-game notice after a stern press conference Sunday night, Barrett expressed his joy at being coached by the former Heat assistant.

“Great coach, everybody loves him,’’ Barrett said before the game. “I love him personally. Great guy to be around. We believe in what he has to say. We have to go out on the court and do it. We have to get it done no matter what coach says or what plays he has. We have to execute and get the job done.’’

C Mitchell Robinson has not been ruled out of Thursday’s rematch with Kristaps Porzin

gis at the Garden as he moves through the concussion protocol. He’s no longer wearing sunglasses and shot before the game, which is one of the tests to pass.