The Raptors lost to Orlando in Friday’s NBA Cup opener, but Scottie Barnes was in full attack mode, which could be a positive sign for the rest of the season, writes Michael Grange of SportsNet. A few days after being shut out by Minnesota, Barnes was seeking his shot from the start, putting up 24 field goal attempts in the first half and 34 overall on his way to a 41-point night. He continued that trend with 29 points on 20 shots Sunday against the Lakers.
“I’ve been trying to be aggressive, especially since that Minnesota game for sure,” Barnes said. “My mindset going into a game now is just to keep trying to be aggressive as best I can and help the team out as best I can.”
Grange notes that defense and playmaking are normally Barnes’ priorities, while scoring comes in third on his list of responsibilities. However, he proved he can handle a scoring role by averaging 24.1 PPG in last season’s playoffs, and the team will likely need increased production from him while Kawhi Leonard is sidelined.
Grange adds that Barnes entered the season hoping to set a new career high in scoring, and he’s putting up 24.8 PPG through six games.
“I wanted to break that, (but) It’s just about trying to be aggressive,” Barnes said. “I think I did a great job doing downhill, being aggressive.”
There’s more on the Raptors:
- After posting 12 points and 11 rebounds on Friday, Jakob Poeltl woke up Sunday with a “wonky” left shoulder and sat out the game with bursitis, Grange states in a separate story. Poeltl participated in pre-game warm-ups, but decided that he couldn’t play because the pain limited his range of motion. He’ll be revaluated before tonight’s contest against the Clippers.
- The Raptors had an early-season reunion with Sandro Mamukelashvili Sunday night, Grange adds. He had a breakthrough year while Poeltl was sidelined last season and was able to transform that into a four-year, $52MM contract with the Lakers in free agency. “I’m grateful. I’ll never forget that,” Mamukelashvili said. “(Coach Darko Rajakovic) and the whole Raptors organization gave me a possibility to be here today. And even though it didn’t work out with them (contract-wise), I’m so grateful that they gave me that chance to go out there and showcase what I can do and what type of player I am.”
- Rajakovic told reporters that Leonard is “doing well” and an update on his condition will be issued Tuesday, per Blake Murphy of SportsNet (Twitter link).
