Does this Raptors star have an unfortunate curse? This baffling stat suggests so

The guys over in Detroit really revved their engines to the max in a gritty clash with the Toronto Raptors on November 25.

The two teams previously faced off on November 15 in an NBA Cup group play matchup on Toronto's home court, where the Raptors were narrowly defeated 99-95.

This subsequent contest turned into yet another teeter-totter battle, coming right down to the wire. Young Pistons guard Jaden Ivey showcased his clutch gene with a buzzer-beater shot, securing a 102-100 victory for Detroit.

Ivey deserves all the praise and appreciation for his ability to call a game like that. Meanwhile, despite the loss, it was certainly a pleasing sight for Toronto to see Scottie Barnes return to All-Star caliber form once again.

Barnes had been sidelined with a serious facial injury that kept him out for 11 straight games, and he hadn't truly shined in the limited sample size this season. Barnes' absence was profoundly felt by the Raptors, and when he returned on November 22 against Minnesota, he provided the morale boost necessary to propel Toronto to its fourth win of the season.

On this night against Detroit, however, the Raptors' franchise star demonstrated exactly why he earned that status, boasting a stellar stat line of 31 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, one steal, and one block. This performance against the Pistons marked the most points Scottie Barnes has scored in a game since January 18, 2024, when he also tallied 31 points in a losing effort against the Chicago Bulls.

He was clearly the Raptors' best player on the floor, especially when co-star RJ Barrett and the supporting starters struggled to find their offensive groove. Barnes displayed both offensive and defensive tenacity, but alas, it wasn't enough to secure Toronto's first road win of the 2024-25 NBA season.

While it was a Scottie Barnes night for the Toronto Raptors, a surprising statistic emerged, suggesting that the 23-year-old forward might be under an unfortunate curse when his scoring prowess shines.

Scottie Barnes might be cursed

The Toronto Raptors' win-loss record shows that when Scottie Barnes scores 30 or more points in a game, the team has a dismal 1-8 record.

That statistic is certainly one that would have anyone scratching their heads, especially since Scottie Barnes has emerged as the franchise's go-to star, even with new faces like RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley joining the mix.

With that in mind, considering the Raptors' mediocre record when their star shines brightest, one must wonder: just how far can Toronto go with Scottie Barnes leading the charge?

However, that conclusion might be a bit too far-fetched, as Scottie Barnes has never been regarded as a scoring dynamo by any means. While he can score 30+ on certain occasions, it’s never his ultimate goal on a nightly basis. Barnes will always be the all-around glue that holds the team together—hustling for rebounds, distributing the ball effectively, and defending at an All-NBA level.

Be that as it may, it remains a startling statistic to digest. Perhaps as Scottie Barnes gains more experience with the Toronto Raptors through 30+ point performances, the team's collective effort can flourish cohesively and turn the page on an otherwise disappointing history so far.