3 encouraging trends for Raptors during nice second-half surge

1. Scottie Barnes filling in nicely for OG Anunoby

With Anunoby on the mend thanks to his finger injury, Barnes has gradually taken over more of the offensive workload. The results have been more than encouraging, as they’ve helped him jump over Evan Mobley and right up to the top of many Rookie of the Year ballots.

Since February 25, Barnes is averaging 19.8 points per game on 57% shooting to go along with 8.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. Barnes equaled his previous career-high twice before breaking it against the Lakers. His 17 rebounds are also a new career-best. He’s hit double figures in every game except one.

The Toronto Raptors are leaning on Scottie Barnes.

It seems like the only people who can stop Barnes on offense is the Raptors’ coaching staff, as he has found himself frozen out of plentiful shooting nights when all five projected starters are healthy. Hopefully, these last few weeks changed that thought process in a declarative fashion.

Barnes is starting to look more confident in this last handful of games, blitzing into the paint and stroking it from long range. With his defense continuing to improve with each passing week, Barnes is winning more ROY attention. Anunoby might need to take a back seat when he returns.