Newest Raptor Kelly Olynyk made his official debut with the team on Feb. 1o.
Even thought Olynyk played well, the Raptors got smoked by the hottest team in basketball Cleveland Cavaliers 119-95.
One bright spot from this Raptors loss was the play of All-Star Scottie Barnes.
He recorded his fourth career triple-double and the third of this season. He put up 24 points, 10 assists, 10 rebounds and was locked in from the jump.
Barnes had some terrific assists in the game including this pass to Gary Trent Jr. in the first quarter:
This pass from Scottie Barnes last night was pretty insane pic.twitter.com/kkz05mVWna
— 𝐀𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞 (@AaronBenRose) February 11, 2024
Someone who took notice of Barnes’ passing ability right away was Olynyk. He was asked if he learned anything about Barnes’ game the last 24 hours via TSN’s Josh Lewenberg:
“Yeah, he’s a very, very good passer. He’s definitely a way better passer than I knew. He sees the floor really well and his IQ is really high.”
The Raptors did not get the result they wanted but they had to be encouraged seeing Barnes playing well. Barnes is headed to his first career All-Star game next weekend.
Barnes playing alongside Olynyk will be a nice fit. Olynyk is another good passing big man who had some nice dimes in this one as well.
He found rookie Gradey Dick who had a wicked reverse layup in the third quarter:
Look at Gradey man pic.twitter.com/XjoveDXDjp
— Luca Rosano (@lucarosano3) February 11, 2024
The Raptors are in a rebuild so there will continue to be ups and downs. But in the loses they have to look at positives.
Olynyk was impressed by Barnes in his first game as a Raptor and he will get to see the third-year player continue to blossom right before his eyes.
Next up for Raptors
The Raptors will be back in action on Feb. 12 when they host Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.
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