Raptors’ season falls squarely on shoulders of Barnes, the face of the franchise who has grown into their chief
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He was the final participant launched earlier than the opening tip, a distinction reserved for the easiest, and first participant to welcome followers to Wednesday evening’s regular-season curtain raiser.
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Even with Kawhi Leonard making his official return to Toronto on a claw-themed T-shirt giveaway for every each ticket holder, the success or failure of this Raptors season falls squarely on the shoulders of Scottie Barnes, the face of the franchise who has grown into the position of on- and off-court chief.
As proficient and as impactful as Leonard stays, the very fact is he has already reached his ceiling. And let’s be blunt: His true significance gained’t be felt till the common season is within the books.
The best way he began the season opener towards the visiting Chicago Bulls, Leonard was already in his playoff mode, burying a three-pointer, dishing off an help and recording a steal because the overmatched guests had been blitzed into submission in a 135-92 Raptors win.
The sport was barely 90 seconds previous earlier than Chicago was pressured to name a timeout following a frenetic 7-0 Raptors run.
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Barnes settled into the background figuring out the stage was reserved for Leonard. However it was Barnes who would tackle the gang, an annual ceremony that won’t be repeated till the house finale means down the highway.
Barnes’ exulted crowd intro
“What it do, child?” exclaimed Barnes. “On behalf of the group, we’re so enthusiastic about your help for the season. Let’s get it. Let’s go!”
And go they went, taking part in a selfless, aggressive and emphatic model of play that must be sustained. If it might probably, then this season could have the hallmarks of the final time Leonard suited up for the Raptors.
Sitting courtside for the event was Serge Ibaka, certainly one of three former NBA defensive gamers of the 12 months who shaped the bedrock of Toronto’s 2019 championship roster.
There’s a few of Ibaka’s defensive prowess in Barnes, who’s a much more completed perimeter defender than Ibaka. Barnes doesn’t possess Ibaka’s dimension, however in sure matchups Barnes has proven to be greater than enough when requested to play centre.
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Barnes’ total recreation and continued maturity shall be on the forefront of any Raptors renaissance this season. He didn’t try his first discipline purpose till there was 3:25 remaining within the opening quarter, a testomony to Barnes’ improved endurance and eager potential to learn the stream of a recreation.
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Careless foul by Barnes
Barnes scored fairly simply on a mid-range turnaround jumper, would quickly step right into a three-pointer after which scored by attacking the rim on a pleasant lower following an equally good go from Collin Murray-Boyles.
With 49.8 seconds left within the first, Barnes dedicated a sloppy and pointless foul on a reach-in, his second within the interval.
Barnes’ sixth season within the NBA is greater than prone to embrace a post-season collection win for the primary time. Failure could be considered as a significant collapse.
For one evening, the Raptors regarded the a part of reputable contenders, regardless that their play got here towards a compromised Bulls group that didn’t strike worry into Toronto. On the finish of the opening quarter, the Raptors had been main 43-23.
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Virtually misplaced within the Leonard hysteria was the capturing of Immanuel Quickley, who could lastly understand his potential, assuming he can keep wholesome. With Leonard taking over many of the oxygen and Barnes imposing his will at each ends, Quickley performed with a freedom and confidence.
He missed your entire seven-game collection towards the Cleveland Cavaliers in final spring’s opening-round playoff matchup due to a bum hamstring.
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In his first recreation of a brand new season, Quickley regarded excellent, as did RJ Barrett, who carried final spring’s high-level play into opening evening.
Quietly, Barnes regarded good Wednesday evening earlier than his presence reached one other stage. There shall be nights when Barnes wants be elite, a stage he’s greater than able to reaching.
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Greater than something, Leonard’s presence offers that prompt and automated increase of confidence. Barnes has by no means lacked confidence, however he has by no means had somebody of Leonard’s ilk driving shotgun.
Probably the most proficient Raptors group in the course of the Barnes period got here in his rookie season when the likes of Pascal Siakam, Fred VanFleet and OG Anunoby had been on the roster. This 12 months’s version offers Barnes together with his finest shot to make noise within the playoffs.
Leonard’s contract extension additionally offers a runway for Barnes to totally capitalized on his distinctive abilities.
By halftime, Barnes had recorded 13 factors, hauled down six rebounds and dished 4 assists, totals he reached with effectivity and relative ease. Zero fouls had been dedicated by Barnes within the second quarter as one other interval could be gained by the Raptors, who led 66-44 on the break.
Given all of the pent-up vitality following an extended and controversial low season, Leonard’s explosive begin appeared predictable, but it surely was not sustainable and it might be mirrored in his lack of ability to make photographs as soon as the early recreation onslaught had subsided.
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Bulls really feel Barnes’ influence
As soon as his ft had been below him, Barnes emerged as the sport’s finest total participant. So long as he’s one of many Raptors’ finest every evening going ahead, minus the occasional off evening, a really memorable marketing campaign is inside attain.
Wednesday’s cakewalk over the Bulls was a mere appetizer, step one in an extended and exhausting highway for the Raptors, who embark on their first highway journey starting Friday evening in Washington earlier than heading to Minnesota on Sunday.
Starting a season by routing an opponent, even when it got here on the expense of the deploraBulls, will increase expectations.
Greater than something, Barnes should be entrance and centre for the Raptors to achieve their ceiling, permitting Leonard to play at his personal tempo and throughout the stream of a recreation.
He doesn’t should be the Leonard model from Act 1 in Toronto as a result of he absolutely understands there’s somebody in Barnes who’s able to being higher.
Of Leonard’s 23 factors, 11 got here from the charity stripe the place he transformed all 11 of his free throws. Barnes additionally netted 23 factors as the 2 mixed for 36 makes an attempt from the sector with Leonard lacking 12 photographs, whereas making 5.
Given all of the hype, he didn’t stay as much as the bloated expectations. He’ll should be extra environment friendly, which matches with out saying.
fzicarelli@postmedia.com
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