The Toronto Raptors made a big splash trading O.G. Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn to the New York Knicks for Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett.
The Quickley and Barrett Raptors era has gotten off to a solid start as Toronto has won 3 of their last 4 games.
Quickley had a breakout game for the Raptors in their win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Jan 3.
In the Raptors latest matchup against the Golden State Warriors on Jan. 7 it was Barrett’s turn to have a standout game.
Barrett was sensational pouring in a season-high 37 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists on 13-20 from the field and 5-8 from deep:
RJ Barrett dropped a SEASON-HIGH in the Raptors’ win over the Warriors 💪
37 PTS
5 3PM
6 AST
6 REB pic.twitter.com/LHoLxUrdNy— NBA (@NBA) January 8, 2024
Barrett talked about playing the right way and trying to help his teammates following the win:
“I’m trying to play the right way and help my teammates. A lot of learning going on. I’m still learning the defensive system, trying to get better at that every day watching film. But I’m just trying to help, that’s all I’m trying to do.”
He was super aggressive from the start and caught fire making 11 of his first 14 shots. He had 26 points going into halftime.
According to StateMuse, Barrett joins Luka Doncic as the only players with a 35/5/5 game with 5+ threes and 0 turnovers this season.
He looks like a completely different player with Toronto. Since the trade Barrett has put together some nice numbers for the Raptors:
RJ Barrett since the trade:
21.0 PPG
6.5 REB
3.0 AST
53.8% FG
52.6% 3PT
78.3% FT
3-1 recordpic.twitter.com/uJzloc2JGW— . (@GTJGotNext) January 8, 2024
Quickley and Barrett shining
The Raptors have already seen a lot of good things from their recent additions. Quickley looks like the team’s franchise point guard and Barrett looks like he has star potential in Toronto.
Masai Ujiri and the Raptors have to be happy with what they have seen from both players so far.
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