The Toronto Raptors are dealing with injuries at the worst possible time. Immanuel Quickley has missed the last seven games, and Brandon Ingram has been in and out of the lineup. With two of their top scorers unavailable, someone has needed to step up early and set the tone. RJ Barrett has taken on that role.
RJ Barrett is coming out hot
In the last seven games, Barrett has led the team in first-half scoring, averaging 13.0 points per game. Scottie Barnes and Sandro Mamukelashvili are tied for second at 8.3.
That early scoring punch has been critical for a Raptors team that has struggled to generate consistent offense without its full complement of scorers. Brandon Ingram still leads the team in first-half scoring on the season at 11.0 points per game, but with him dealing with an injury, someone had to step up to help set the tone. That player has been Barrett.
Barrett has taken a slight step back in the second half during this stretch, averaging 8.4 points. But that drop-off makes sense given the games Toronto has played recently.
Lately, the first half has decided Toronto’s games
In five of the Raptors’ last seven games, one team has led by at least 19 points entering the fourth quarter. In those situations, the first half often determines which team walks away with the win, and starters often barely play in the final quarter.
That is reflected in Barrett’s playing time. He has averaged 16.7 minutes in the first half over the last seven games, compared to just 13.4 in the second half. When accounting for that gap, his lower second-half scoring becomes far more understandable. It also makes his first-half production even more valuable.Â
What does this mean going forward?
At this point in the season, every trend surrounding the Raptors has to be viewed through the lens of the playoff chase. Barrett has elevated his production with Quickley and Ingram dealing with injuries, helping stabilize Toronto early in games.
Now, Ingram is back in the lineup and Quickley is expected to return soon. Will Barrett be able to maintain this level of play with more mouths to feed?
The ball will naturally be in his hands less when everyone is healthy. However, Barrett does a lot of his damage in transition, while Quickley and Ingram operate primarily against set halfcourt defenses. That contrast suggests Barrett’s production could be sustainable.
If he can maintain this level of production in his usual role, it would give the Raptors a much-needed offensive boost down the stretch.