Scottie Barnes shines with historic triple-double as Raptors stun Warriors in overtime
The Toronto Raptors are riding high following Scottie Barnes’ extraordinary performance that has etched itself in the franchise’s history. In a thrilling overtime victory against the Golden State Warriors, Barnes delivered a standout show, scoring 23 points, pulling down a staggering 25 rebounds, and providing 10 assists. His contributions were pivotal, helping the Raptors climb to the No. 12 spot in the latest power rankings, as noted by NBA.com writer John Schuhmann.
A Comeback for the Ages
The Raptors’ victory was nothing short of dramatic. Trailing by 12 points in the fourth quarter, the team showcased resilience and tenacity. Barnes capped the regulation period with a crucial tip-in that sent the game into overtime, highlighting his ability to perform under pressure. During the extra period, he dominated the boards, out-rebounding the Warriors 6-0.
Schuhmann emphasized the significance of this win, noting, “The Raptors have seen the league’s biggest drop-offs in both winning percentage and point differential per 100 possessions since Thanksgiving. But they got RJ Barrett back from a 15-game absence and then got a huge performance from Scottie Barnes.”
Barnes’ Historic Numbers
Barnes’ triple-double marked a career milestone for the young star. His 25 rebounds not only set a personal best but also underscored his evolving role within the team. Fourteen of his 17 shots came from within the paint, and he’s now enjoying impressive career-high percentages: 58.3% in the paint, 41.2% from mid-range, and 35.4% beyond the arc.
The Raptors have shown a notable improvement since Barrett’s return from injury, and his presence has clearly revitalized the team’s dynamics. As Schuhmann pointed out, “They’re now 13-5 (with eight straight wins) in games he’s played and have been at their best offensively with him on the floor.”
Rising Through the Ranks
Despite the win, the Raptors still find themselves behind teams such as the Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, and Boston Celtics in the power rankings. Nevertheless, this recent victory against the Warriors signals a potential shift in momentum.
Looking ahead, the Raptors face a challenging schedule with two home games against the Orlando Magic and the Denver Nuggets. As they gear up to start the new year, they will also host Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks. For fans eager to watch the action unfold, these games will be available on TSN Sports and the NBA League Pass.
In summary, with Barnes stepping into the spotlight and Barrett back in action, the Raptors are poised to make a significant climb in the standings, and their recent performance could be just the spark they need to ignite their season.
