3 reasons for optimism after Raptors pick up win vs. Blazers

1. Scottie Barnes is aggressive

Before the Portland game, Barnes hadn’t made a shot from the field in the first three quarters of consecutive losses against the Pacers and Knicks. While he’s made up for those numbers thanks to some very impressive late rallies in the fourth, Barnes was an impactful presence in all four quarters against Portland. 

Barnes recorded 22 points, nine rebounds, and four assists against the Blazers, further beefing up his stat sheet by piling up two steals and two blocks in one of the best defensive performances he’s had all season long. Barnes is at his best when he’s screaming toward the basket, and Nurse let him unleash the beast in this game.

The Toronto Raptors need Scottie Barnes to be energetic.

Barnes was clearly not himself in the last few games, but this new directive has emboldened him and made him an even more deadly scorer than he has been all season long. It’s tough to give him tons of shot attempts when there are so many mouths to feed, but his play is so impressive at its peak that he has warranted it.

The Raptors’ success in the next few years will inevitably be tied to Barnes and how he performs. There is no way that the Raptors can mold him into a franchise player unless they give him the necessary schematic help and confidence boost he needs to be a star.