Scottie Barnes makes history with triple-double as Raptors edge out Warriors in overtime
Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes is carving his name into the annals of franchise history after a thrilling 141-127 overtime victory against the Golden State Warriors at Scotiabank Arena. In a performance that will be remembered for years to come, Barnes posted an impressive stat line of 23 points, 25 rebounds, and 10 assists.
A Buzzer-Beater to Remember
The dramatic finish to regulation culminated in a heart-stopping moment when Barnes tipped in a rebound just before the buzzer, tying the game and propelling it into overtime. Reflecting on the pivotal play, Barnes shared, “Nothing was really going through my head. I was just crashing the glass and putting the ball back into the rim, just seeing where the ball was going, just putting it right back in. I’m just trying to do whatever it takes to win.”
Making History
With this remarkable performance, Barnes joins an exclusive club, becoming only the ninth player in NBA history to record a triple-double featuring at least 23 points, 25 rebounds, and 10 assists. The list of legends he now shares includes Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, Maurice Stokes, Bob Pettit, Bill Russell, Billy Cunningham, Maurice Lucas, and Nikola Jokić. While most of these names are enshrined in the Hall of Fame, both Lucas and Jokić stand out as significant figures in the game, with Jokić on a certain trajectory toward Springfield.
Coaching Praise for a Stellar Performance
Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic expressed his admiration for Barnes’ effort, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of the young forward’s game. “Amazing grit from the whole group and Scottie was leading that with his rebounding effort, leading with playmaking, leading with defense,” Rajakovic remarked. “He was really, really high level today. It was an impressive performance, and I’m looking forward to watching film tonight again and enjoying that.”
The Rising Star’s Potential
While it’s unlikely that Barnes will replicate this exact stat line on a nightly basis, his ability to achieve such heights showcases his immense potential. The Raptors have clearly identified Barnes as their leading player, and with this victory under his belt, his confidence is only expected to grow.
Looking Ahead
However, there will be little time for celebration as the Raptors prepare to take the court again tomorrow, facing off against the Orlando Magic. The matchup is set for 7:30 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena, with fans able to catch all the action on TSN Sports or stream it through NBA League Pass. As Barnes continues to develop and refine his game, the Raptors are well-positioned for an exciting season ahead.
