Yessir. Games like last night are exactly what you want to see from Scottie Barnes and the Toronto Raptors—unless, of course, you're on Team Tank, in which case it’s not what you want to see.
It came right down to the wire, with Joel Embiid passing up a wide-open three to seal the game, but the visiting boys from up North got the job done. Mark it: a 106-103 victory for the Toronto Raptors.
So, which Raptors players stood out in the game against Philly? Immanuel Quickley looked great, returning to his best form, which I recently mentioned is essential for his tenure with the Raptors going forward. Gradey Dick also had a solid performance, hitting his shots and showcasing his defensive skills with three steals and a block. However, it was the Raptors' defensive anchor, Scottie Barnes, who stole the show in the City of Brotherly Love.
Scottie Barnes showcased his dominance against the Philadelphia 76ers
In the February 11 matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, Scottie Barnes recorded impressive box score stats: 33 points on a stellar 62% shooting from the field, 10 rebounds, three assists, one steal, two blocks, and a +10 plus/minus rating.
It's not every night you see Barnes score 30+ points; when he's locked in like that, he's virtually unstoppable. That mentality was especially needed, as Toronto was without RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl, further elevating Barnes' status as the Raptors' leader. He played aggressively, found his way to the free-throw line, and limited his tendency to shoot poorly from three, finishing 1-for-2 from beyond the arc—a much better approach.
Looking ahead, performances like this from Barnes need to continue when Brandon Ingram ultimately suits up for the Raptors. I know many view Barnes as a Draymond Green-esque player, one who does all the little things to make his teammates shine. However, it’s important to recognize that Barnes also has the offensive ability to step up when the team needs it, making him a secret weapon of sorts.
Raptors' future rests on Scottie Barnes' performance in the Ingram era
Those defensive intangibles are deeply embedded in Barnes' game; I doubt he'll ever lose those qualities or step back on that end of the floor. However, the offense can be shaky. We've seen Barnes make incredible leaps, only to follow them up with stagnant streaks. That just won't cut it once the Ingram era takes full effect.
The front office has made it clear that they envision Ingram leading the offense, as he is the most reliable scorer on the team. But one man can't do it all, which is where his teammates, especially Scottie Barnes, come into play. I don't think the Raptors are asking Barnes to simply take a backseat to Ingram; rather, they want him to find his niche alongside Ingram so that they can both thrive together in the lineup.
I'm not convinced that the current version of Scottie Barnes is his best self. At just 23 years old, he still has room to develop into a polished NBA talent. With the right coaching and support staff, along with a winning mentality, Barnes possesses all the tools to make another leap.
Elevating his game isn't simply about scoring 25 or 30 points every night; it’s about refining the little things—limiting complaints to the refs, knowing when to stop shooting threes, and proving he's ready for a leadership role.
Ingram may be set to lead the offense, but ultimately, this Raptors squad will rely on Scottie Barnes to guide them. It's up to him to help drive this new-look team toward success.