RJ Barrett has been a bright spot in an otherwise dark postseason thus far for the Toronto Raptors. Despite the Raptors’ 0-2 deficit, Barrett has elevated his game when they have needed it most.
He is averaging 23 points on just 13 shots per game. In Game 2, he added nine rebounds and five assists, continuing to be one of Toronto’s most reliable contributors.
RJ Barrett has been one of the Raptors’ best players
The most impressive part of Barrett’s play has been his efficiency. He has shot 17-for-26 (65.4%) from the field and 3-for-7 (42.9%) from three.
While Toronto’s offense has struggled through two games, averaging just 109 points per game, Barrett has not been the problem. His success comes from his ability to get inside the paint. He is the team’s best cutter, and once he gets the ball near the basket, he plays through contact to create space and finish.
At just 25 years old, Barrett is already in his seventh NBA season. That experience is showing. If he can sustain this level of play, Toronto may still have a path to climb back into the series.
Can Barrett sustain this offense?
The biggest question now is whether Barrett can maintain this level of production. He averaged 19.3 points on 49.1% shooting during the regular season. Those are strong numbers, but still a step below what he has done through two playoff games.
That concern is valid, but there are reasons to believe his success can continue. Much of Barrett’s efficiency has stemmed from the defensive attention Cleveland is giving to Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram.
As a result, Donovan Mitchell and James Harden have frequently been matched up with Barrett on the perimeter. Both players are elite offensively, but neither is known for their defense. Barrett has been able to take advantage of those matchups consistently.
If the Cavaliers shift more defensive attention toward Barrett, it will create opportunities elsewhere. Either Barnes or Ingram would likely find themselves in more favorable matchups against Cleveland's backcourt.
That is the benefit of having multiple players capable of scoring 20 points on any given night. If Immanuel Quickley returns, Cleveland’s defense will be stretched even further, giving Toronto more ways to generate efficient offense.
If the Raptors are going to climb out of this 0-2 hole, Barrett will need to maintain this level of play. He has been one of the few players consistently generating offense, and if he continues to exploit favorable matchups, Toronto may still have a path to an upset.
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