Scottie Barnes had one of the best defensive performances of his young career in the Toronto Raptors 127-109 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Feb. 23.
Barnes did a great job of slowing down Kevin Durant who had an off night from the field.
Durant came into this matchup against the Raptors averaging 27.2 points on 54 percent shooting from the field. Durant, who was primarily guarded by Barnes, was held to just 15 points on 5-for-15 shooting from the field and 0-for-5 shooting from deep.
Overall, Barnes finished the game with 20 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists and he was a +33. However, it was his defense that stole the show and caught the attention of Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic.
“The media and the public (is) not recognizing this kid as one of the most elite defensive players in the league, Rajakovic said via TSN’s Josh Lewenberg. “I don’t think he’s getting enough credit…maybe that has something to do with our record but if you have eyes you see that he is elite.”
Barnes is quietly making a case for an All-Defense spot. The Raptors are 6 points better on defense with him this season. He’s in the 89th percentile and is averaging 3 stocks per game, per Esfandiar Baraheni.
Barnes’ length and quickness made things difficult for Durant. He was constantly picking up Durant from half court and did not let the future Hall of Famer get anything easy.
There was another defensive possession in the second quarter that really showcased Barnes’ talent on that end. He swarmed Devin Booker and locked him up which resulted in a miss:
However high you are on Scottie Barnes the defender it may not be high enoughpic.twitter.com/z0M8b4f3ld
— Hot Hand Theory (@HotHandTheory) February 24, 2025
Barnes has had his ups and downs this season with his offensive and being consistent, primarily from deep. However, one area of his game that has been impressive from the beginning of the season to now is his defense.
When Barnes is locked in, he is one of the best defensive players in the game. He could very well become a future Defensive Player of the Year winner for the Raptors.
Scottie Barnes focused on winning
The Toronto Raptors might be trying to tank, but their young star Scottie Barnes has been vocal about trying to win.
He recently told TSN’s Josh Lewenberg what his priorities are for the final part of this season.
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