Scottie Barnes is currently having a breakout season for the Toronto Raptors.
He has come into his third season with a point to prove. Barnes just had his worst shooting performance of the season against the Dallas Mavericks but he still managed to have a solid game.
His 20+ points streak came to an end but he finished with 14 points, 14 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks. He was also locked in defensively.
For the season Barnes is now averaging 21.5 points, 10.4 rebounds, 6 assists , 2.1 blocks and 1.5 steals per game.
These extraordinary numbers have him in a category of his own. According to Opta Stats Barnes is the only player in NBA history to average these numbers through 8 games of the season:
.@Raptors Scottie Barnes is the only player to average
20.0+ points
10.0+ rebounds
6.0+ assists
2.0+ blocks
1.5+ stealsover his first 8 games of an NBA season (since blocks and steals became official in 1973-74). pic.twitter.com/lhSsKyk4ye
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) November 9, 2023
Barnes’ impact has been valuable for Toronto. Even during his worst shooting performance of the season he still found a way to make winning plays for the Raptors.
He continues to play at a high level and continues to join elite company as well:
Scottie Barnes had 4 blocks & 2 steals last night, the 3rd time he’s had 5+ stocks in a game this season. Only Anthony Davis has more such games.
He’s up to 29 stocks (2nd most) & 6 blocked threes this season (most). pic.twitter.com/QedpxiZqkv
— Keerthika Uthayakumar (@keerthikau) November 9, 2023
Barnes’ tremendous development in his third season
Barnes is currently leading the Raptors in points, rebounds, steals and blocks this season.
The third year has gone to plan for Barnes so far. The Raptors are hoping he can continue his stellar play all season long.
Barnes has been playing with a great deal of confidence and he has benefited playing under Darko Rajakovic. If he continues this type of production he will have a great chance to snag the most improved player of the year award.
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