The Toronto Raptors displayed their best team performance of the season in their 130-122 win against the Indiana Pacers. Gradey Dick was exceptional, scoring 18 points with a 77% field goal efficiency, while RJ Barrett contributed 24 points with a 68% shooting efficiency. The Raptors’ cohesive unit was at its peak, with every player except Bruce Brown performing at a high level. The icing on the cake was Scottie Barnes’ new franchise record, achieved with his impressive stats of 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists, making him the first Raptor to record four triple-doubles in a single season. With 24 games remaining, Barnes is likely to achieve more triple-doubles in his breakout All-Star season. Although Pascal Siakam is an outstanding player with multiple All-NBA and All-Star selections, his fit around Barnes was sometimes problematic due to spacing issues. Despite their prowess in scoring in the paint, Siakam and Barnes had to shoot more three-pointers to offset the lineup’s spacing woes, with varying levels of success.
When the Toronto Raptors traded O.G. Anunoby to the New York Knicks, Scottie Barnes felt an added pressure to anchor the team’s defense and playmaking duties. On off nights, Barnes focuses on hustling for boards and finding his teammates, although he still tries to score. With the addition of dynamic scoring threats like Immanuel Quickley and R.J. Barrett, Barnes’ all-around game is on full display with minimal setbacks.
Although many Raptors fans were saddened by the trade of Pascal Siakam, his style of play is better suited for the Indiana Pacers under Tyrese Haliburton’s leadership. While a Siakam-Barnes duo could have worked, the post-Siakam world is looking promising. With the help of Quickley, Barrett, and even Dick, Toronto has the potential to become a playoff powerhouse in no time.
