Scotty Barnes also scores on defense
22 points on 9/14 shooting in 24 minutes. For the average person, this is a nice stat line. For Giannis Antetokounmpo, and especially this year, it’s a bit of an outing. The smallest is at the beginning of the season itself. The Raptors accomplished this defensive feat this week while the Bucks played back-to-back games.
Et Scottie Barneswhich part of the evening he defended on the superstar against, had something to do with it, deflected balls towards the Greek, or challenged him near the circle. The Raptors’ frame is getting used to tough defensive challenges.
« I defended a lot on the ball carrier. These strong wings often have the ball. Evan (Mobiles) to the ball. Giannis has the ball. Who have we faced before this? Jaren Jackson Jr. had the ball. I’ve been on the ball carrier a lot, just trying to defend these guys the best I can », retrace Scottie Barnes.
A blow that didn’t always stop the opposite stars from shining. Evan Mobley scored 29 points on 11/17 shooting, while Jaren Jackson Jr. finished with 20 points (8/15). In his first road trip to Toronto earlier in the season, Giannis Antetokounmpo, who Scotty Barnes defended on nearly 70 possessions in two games, scored 31 points (11/14) and grabbed 20 rebounds.
Unique career production
But Scottie Barnes has long expressed his desire to become a great defender. Given that he doesn’t have the size of Victor Wembanyama and isn’t a true rim protector, a big impact on the defense will come from his ability to defend on the ball carrier.
« He’s been doing it for a long time, so there’s nothing new on that side of the field. He is becoming more experienced. He gets to know the league and the players’ tendencies better. Scotty is a major part of our Scout preparation », analyzes his coach Darko Rajaković whose player records 1.5 blocks and 1.5 interceptions per game for the first time in his career.
He is also the only player in the league who has such defensive production, in addition to averaging at least 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists.
« We need to help each other much more. I have an important role at this level, I have an important voice in the team, to remind people that we have to keep helping each other no matter what, wherever the ball is. It’s just about reading it right. It’s all about reading the game », term-t-il.
| Scottie Barnes | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saison | The team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | LF | Off | Def | That | Pd | Ft | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2021-22 | TOR | 74 | 35 | 49.2 | 30.1 | 73.5 | 2.6 | 4.9 | 7.5 | 3.5 | 2.6 | 1.1 | 1.8 | 0.7 | 15.3 |
| 2022-23 | TOR | 77 | 35 | 45.6 | 28.1 | 77.2 | 2.3 | 4.3 | 6.6 | 4.8 | 2.2 | 1.1 | 2.0 | 0.8 | 15.3 |
| 2023-24 ☆ | TOR | 60 | 35 | 47.5 | 34.1 | 78.1 | 2.4 | 5.9 | 8.2 | 6.0 | 2.0 | 1.2 | 2.8 | 1.5 | 19.9 |
| 2024-25 | TOR | 65 | 33 | 44.6 | 27.1 | 75.5 | 1.7 | 6.0 | 7.7 | 5.8 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 2.8 | 1.0 | 19.3 |
| 2025-26 | TOR | 7 | 33 | 50.5 | 46.9 | 70.8 | 1.9 | 5.6 | 7.4 | 5.0 | 3.4 | 1.3 | 2.3 | 1.4 | 20.6 |
How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / 3 points in an attempt; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.
2025-11-07 16:44:00
