Brandon Ingram Surprised by RJ Barrett’s Versatile Game with Raptors
As the Toronto Raptors continue to find their rhythm this season, the synergy between Brandon Ingram and RJ Barrett is blossoming. Both players, who share similar positions, are learning how to complement each other’s styles on the court, creating a dynamic that many fans and analysts were eager to see.
Ingram’s Unexpected Discoveries
Brandon Ingram, who was brought in from the New Orleans Pelicans in a mid-season trade, had preconceptions about Barrett’s game prior to joining the Raptors. “I thought (Barrett) was just a gunner,” Ingram remarked, reflecting on his initial impressions. However, as he has spent more time observing Barrett in practice and games, his perspective has shifted dramatically.
“I’ve seen what he works on, and how it transfers to the game,” he added. Ingram has come to appreciate Barrett’s scoring consistency and defensive tenacity. “He’s steady, scoring the basketball, and on the defensive side, he’s aggressive. He doesn’t complain about not having the basketball; it just kind of attracts to him. He’s been showing me a lot,” Ingram said, acknowledging the depth of Barrett’s skill set.
Finding Common Ground
The early skepticism regarding how Ingram and Barrett would mesh has begun to dissipate. In their latest victory against the Memphis Grizzlies, both players demonstrated their ability to coexist effectively, each making ten shots and shooting over 50 percent from the field. This performance has set a promising tone for their partnership moving forward.
Barrett himself has noted the impact of Ingram’s presence on the floor. “With (Ingram) coming here, shots are a lot easier for me,” Barrett explained. “There’s another threat out there that the team has to worry about. So, I think we’re doing a good job of sharing the ball and being in the flow. We’re all kind of shooting the ball well, to be honest.”
Building on Early Success
As the Raptors ride this wave of early-season success, they are acutely aware that such shooting efficiency may not last indefinitely. However, the current hot streak serves as a confidence booster, affirming that Barrett and Ingram can work together effectively towards achieving their collective goal of winning.
While the Raptors have traditionally leaned on their defense as their cornerstone, Ingram’s addition has injected a renewed sense of optimism into the team’s offensive potential. As the Raptors gear up for their next challenge—a matchup against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks—Ingram, Barrett, and the rest of the team are eager to build on their momentum and secure their third consecutive victory.
