Scottie Barnes delivered one of the NBA’s best first-round performances, leading the Raptors deep into the playoffs. The supporting cast surprised many, with RJ Barrett tied with Barnes for leading scoring and Collin Murray-Boyles ranking third in points per game ahead of Brandon Ingram. Ja’Kobe Walter and Jamal Shead contributed as well, taking most of their shots from three-point range. Coach Darko emphasized grit and desperation, focusing on who wanted the ball more, who hit first, who fought for rebounds, and who kept 50/50 plays alive. The series featured key moments, including Barrett’s game winner, but Barnes’ brilliance drove the overall results.
"“What the hell kind of skeleton crew did the Raptors come out of the trenches with?” “Grit. Who wants the ball more? Who is more desperate in the game?” Coach Darko told me before Game 6 of how the Raptors can continue to hang in defensively against the talented Cavaliers. “We're playing in front of our home crowd, we've gotten great support throughout the year. We're really excited about the opportunity we have. It has to be who wants it more? Who is gonna hit first? Who is gonna get up for a rebound? Who is gonna keep the 50/50 balls alive? We have to be that team tonight.”"
"The Raptors did have some magical moments, and none more magical than Barrett's heaven-touching game winner in Game 6, but the series, more than anything, was built on Barnes' brilliance. It was the type of brilliance that makes you zoom out, zoom in, and assess how the hell the Raptors continue to not only get that out of their star, but surround him with more. What worked for Barnes: When it comes to problem solving in the NBA Playoffs, t"
"You watch a puzzled expression come across their face as you explain that no it wasn't Brandon Ingram, and that Immanuel Quickley didn't play at all. An accepting nod when you say that RJ Barrett was tied with Barnes for leading scorer. A pair of widening eyes when you say that slotted in at 3rd in ppg (ahead of Ingram) was the Raptors upstart rookie, Collin Murray-Boyles. Ja'Kobe Walter & Jamal Shead placed 5th and 6th in ppg, but did so while taking roughly 70-percent of their shots from behind the 3-point line and only making 33-percent of them."
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