Scotty Barnes’ statement amid Toronto’s recent success
The The Toronto Raptors have quietly crept up on the rest of the Eastern Conference in recent weeks as they are 10-5 and are second in the standings behind only the Detroit Pistons. The Raptors are currently on a five-game winning streak and are looking to make it six straight heading into Friday’s NBA Cup matchup with the Washington Wizards. Before the game, Raptors ahead Scottie Barnes talked about what it is made the team so dangerous this season.
“We’re dangerous,” Barnes said. “We have a lot of people who can affect the game, off the bench and the starting five. We have a lot of people who can affect the game in different ways. Different games require different people to step up, and we did a great job of that.”
Scottie Barnes himself was one of the main reasons a strong start to the regular season for the Raptors. The No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Barnes is currently in the running for his second All-Star appearance. His first was during the 2023-24 season, and his numbers this year are on par with that year.
Entering Friday’s game against the Wizards, Barnes had appeared in all 15 of the Raptors’ games with just over 32 minutes per game. He averaged 19.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.7 blocks while shooting 50 percent from the field, 38.9 percent from the three-point line and 81.3 percent from the free throw line. Barnes’ steals, blocked shots and shooting percentage are career highs.
The Raptors are in their third season with Darko Rajaković at the helm as head coach. Over the past two seasons, the Raptors have not won more than 30 games and missed the playoffs both years. The team is trying to return to the postseason for the first time since the 2021-22 season.
2025-11-22 01:12:00
