Scottie Barnes is leading by example.
The 23-year-old is playing some of his best two-way basketball of the season and it has resulted in the Toronto Raptors’ turning their fortunes around.
With Barnes setting the tone, the Raptors have won three straight games for the first time all season and have won 5 of their last 6 contests.
It’s been the Raptors’ defense that has really turned things around as of late. The Raptors rank second in defense over the last 6 games, allowing 106.4 points per 100 possessions. Only the Los Angeles Clippers are allowing fewer over that stretch.
Barnes has had a direct impact on the team’s defensive turnaround. Over the last 6 games, the Raptors are allowing 98.9 points per 100 possessions with Barnes on the floor. Without Barnes on the court, they’re allowing 122.5 points per 100 possessions. That is a drastic difference of 23.6 points per 100.
“I feel like I’m a great defender. I feel like it doesn’t really get talked about enough but I feel like I’m a great defender, I guard whoever can play one through five,” Barnes told TSN’s Josh Lewenberg. “That’s what I pride myself on. Every time I step on the floor that’s what I’m ready to do.”
The Raptors with Barnes are a +267 in 216 minutes and without him they are a -27 in 72 minutes. It’s been one of the best stretches of Barnes’ career.
“He’s our true leader & we go as far as (he) goes. The way he sets the tone, plays defence & shares the ball raises the level for everybody,” Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic told Lewenberg. “With all that said we’re not even close to seeing the best version of Scottie Barnes. I think that he’s going to be outstanding.”
Barnes is playing like an All-Star but the Raptors’ losing record and the fact that Barnes has missed 13 games this season might stand in his way of receiving that honor again. The reserves will be announced on Jan. 30. Perhaps, Barnes will get an outside chance as an injury replacement like last year. However, there’s no denying that the Raptors face of the franchise is starting to hit another gear.
Charles Barkley thinks Scottie Barnes is a top player in the world
Scottie Barnes has been receiving league-wide attention for his recent stretch of play.
Charles Barkley spoke highly of Barnes on ‘Inside the NBA,’ calling him one of the best 10-15 players in the world.
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