The Toronto Raptors dropped their third game in a row with a 113-108 loss to the New York Knicks.
Scottie Barnes goes down
The Raptors lost more than just the game. They lost Barnes who came down on Karl-Anthony Towns’ foot in the third quarter. Barnes had to be helped to the tunnel and then he hopped to the locker room, without putting any weight on his right foot. He was ruled out for the remainder of the game with a right ankle sprain. Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic said x-rays on Barnes’ right ankle were negative. However, the team will likely know more after an MRI. This is a huge blow to the Raptors and Barnes. Barnes returned from an 11-game absence following an orbital fracture he suffered on Oct. 28 against the Denver Nuggets. Now it looks like he will miss more time. If Barnes requires surgery, that could spell the end of the Raptors season and they may have no choice but to embrace the tank.
Ja’Kobe Walter shines
Walter had the best performance of his rookie season with a 19-point showing. Walter found his rhythm offensively, hitting on 6 of 12 shots, including knocking down a couple of clutch threes. Walter’s performance on Monday gives the Raptors hope that he can turn into a key piece on this team. The 20-year-old is just getting started.
Both teams are benefiting from the trade
It’s rare when a win-win trade happens in the NBA but the Raptors and Knicks have benefitted greatly from the deal that sent RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to Toronto for O.G. Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn. Anunoby has been a reliable two-way player for the Knicks and Achiuwa has been a steady bench piece. Meanwhile, Quickley has been a nice fit in Toronto and RJ Barrett has taken his game to new heights. Barrett was a man on a mission against his former team scoring 30 points to go along with 8 rebounds and 4 assists. He kept the Raptors in the game after Barnes suffered the injury. However, Anunoby came up with a big block on Barrett late in the game to save the Knicks from an upset loss. Then Towns hit a three over Barrett to seal the win for New York.
Next on tap
The Raptors will head to Miami on Dec. 12 to take on the Heat.
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