Despite being down 3-2 against the Cavaliers, the Toronto Raptors are still alive largely because RJ Barrett has refused to let their season fade.
Barrett is leading Toronto in points and rebounds this postseason and has been one of the primary reasons the Raptors have remained competitive against a deeper, more experienced Cavaliers team.
RJ Barrett is stepping up
Toronto has dealt with inconsistent play from several key players. Brandon Ingram is averaging just 12 points per game while shooting 32.8 percent from the field. Ja’Kobe Walter, Jakob Poeltl, and Sandro Mamukelashvili have all struggled to varying degrees as well.
With several key players failing to produce as expected, the Raptors have needed someone to step up. Barrett has done that and more.
Barrett has raised nearly every major number from the regular season. He has gone from 19.3 points to 24.4, 5.3 rebounds to 7.2, and 3.3 assists to 3.8. His efficiency has also jumped from 49.1 percent from the field to 53.5 percent, and from 33.9 percent from three-point range to 46.2 percent.
Barrett has been Toronto’s most reliable offensive presence in this series. He has scored at least 10 points in nine of the 10 halves played and owns the best net rating among Raptors starters. No matter the matchup or lineup combination, Barrett has found ways to keep Toronto’s offense afloat.
Barrett’s importance will only grow with Toronto’s injury concerns
Brandon Ingram left Game 5 in the second quarter after aggravating a heel injury. Scottie Barnes also injured his quad in the second quarter. Barnes stayed in the game, but he was noticeably limited.
Those were Toronto’s two best players during the regular season, and their health is now the biggest question hanging over Game 6. It remains unclear whether both players will be available, but even if they play, Toronto may be asking them to perform through injury.
That makes Barrett even more important. For most of the season, Barrett was considered Toronto’s third or fourth option. In Game 6, his increased production will not be a bonus. It will be required for the Raptors to extend their season.
Given everything Barrett has done in the playoffs thus far, there is no reason to think he is not up to the challenge. If Toronto is going to force a Game 7, Barrett will need to raise his game one more time.
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