Whenever the Toronto Raptors host the Golden State Warriors, there’s a palpable energy that surges through the building.
The obvious reason for the electric atmosphere is that these two organizations are forever connected after the 2019 NBA finals. It was a time defined by an impossible dream finally being realized for Toronto, while it marked the end of a dynasty in Golden State.
There’s also Stephen Curry. The 37-year-old is a superstar whose journey is nearing its epilogue. While he’s contributed
nothing to the Raptors, Curry has always been considered as something of a “homegrown” type of talent by Canadian basketball fans. Curry grew up on the Raptors home court and there’s a bittersweet dread that one of his final appearances at the Scotiabank Arena is closer than anyone wants to admit.
Regardless of where the energy originated, it translated to the court and resulted in the Raptors defeating the Warriors 141-127 in overtime on Sunday.
For the Raptors, it was an opportunity to reintroduce Curry to an environment reminiscent of 2019 and a reminder to their fans of what is possible this year.
Here are four takeaways from what might end up being the win that turns the Raptors’ season around.
Rewriting the record books
Scottie Barnes has always had a knack for elevating his play on a big stage. He’s been that way since his impressive playoff debut against the Philadelphia 76ers in his rookie season. With the lights glaring slightly brighter, Barnes finished with 23 points, 25 rebounds, 10 assists and three steals. It was the first 20 and 20 triple-double in franchise history. Barnes also tied the Raptors’ record for rebounds, which was last set by Bismack Biyombo.
Barnes’ maniacal desire for second-chance opportunities (nine offensive rebounds) reloaded numerous possessions late in the final quarter and in overtime. Even while sharing the court with Curry, Barnes looked like the brightest star in the game.
“I come into every game with that mindset,” said Barnes. “I want to go out there, make an impact, and be the best player on the floor.”
Complete team victory
In the search for wing production, particularly in the absence of RJ Barrett, the Raptors have resorted to throwing darts at a board, hoping one of their attempts lands on a suitable target. Against the Warriors, Ochai Agbaji, Gradey Dick, and Ja’Kobe Walter finally authored their best outing as a trio.
Hours before tip-off, head coach Darko Rajakovic explained what he was looking from his role players.
“It can feel like a demotion, but it’s not, learning what it takes to be successful in a role is not easy,” said Rajakovic. “There’s a learning curve to being a professional and to learning how to help your team every night.”
This afternoon, the Raptors auxiliary players were ahead of the curve.
Agbaji had a busy day chasing Curry on the defensive end. But it was his involvement on the offensive side of the ball that piqued interest in those who had given up on the fourth-year guard. With Curry guarding Agbaji, the Raptors involved Curry in six actions in the first seven minutes of the game. It resulted in eight points, with six going to Agbaji’s name. Multiple screening actions put Agbaji in positions to attack the rim with momentum, with all of his points coming in the paint or at the free-throw line. Curry had Agbaji in the proverbial blender, baiting the wing into multiple fouls. But it took Curry 30 shots to finish with 39 points. The Raptors made Curry work for it, and Agbaji played an integral role in that.
Walter finished with 18 points on 60 per cent shooting. It was his second consecutive game in double-digits after dropping 15 points against the Washington Wizards. On a team without designated shooters, Walters’ efficiency and volume from the perimeter (6-for-11 in the last two contests) grants this team’s defence leeway to make chaotic plays on the other end.
While Dick finished with four points in 14 minutes, the 22-year-old was responsible for one of the most exciting plays on a night that featured countless thrills. While Toronto mounted a comeback near the end of the third quarter, Dick reached out for a loose ball and hurled it backwards over his head, ultimately leading to two points.
Don’t poke the bear
The reason for the Raptors having to claw their way back into the game was the play of Draymond Green. The polarizing veteran finished with a season-high 21 points, with most of them coming from his four three-pointers. With Green shooting 32.4 per cent on 4.3 three-point attempts this season, Toronto’s defence continuously dared Green to beat them from beyond-the-arc. Green made them pay with the most threes he’s hit since going 5-for-10 against the Denver Nuggets on Nov. 7.
The return of RJ Barrett
After a 15-game absence due to a knee injury, RJ Barrett returned to action and immediately played a pivotal role. The Canadian finished with 12 points, seven rebounds and four assists in nearly 24 minutes of action. Barrett was on a minute restriction and will likely be monitored before the second end of their back-to-back on Dec. 29.
Toronto went 6-9 during Barrett’s lengthy absence. His time away from the team has helped solidify his importance to the team, both within the organization and with fans.
“Of course, I felt that and the team felt that,” said Barrett on whether there’s a better appreciation for what he provides on the court.
Barrett explained the frustration that came with missing the number of games he did. He had never dealt with an injury like this and he leaned on support within his circle to mentally recover.
“My dad told me everything happens for a reason so I tried to stay positive through it all,” said Barrett. “But it felt good to play tonight and help the team win.”
