The Toronto Raptors are looking to get back on a roll. Scottie Barnes and his team hosted the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, March 27, and got back in the winner’s column.
Barnes led the way for his team, checking for 36 minutes.
The veteran forward made 10-14 shots from the field and drained all three of his free throws. Barnes produced 23 points. He racked up the double-double with 12 assists and came down with six rebounds. Barnes also added two steals and three blocks.
As Barnes did a little bit of everything in the Raptors’ 119-106 victory over the Pelicans, he accomplished a stat line that hasn’t been seen in a single game since Charles Barkley in 1986.
via StatMuse: Scottie Barnes vs Pelicans:
23 PTS
7 REB
12 AST
2 STL
3 BLK
10-14 FG
The first player to reach those numbers on 70+ FG% in a game since Charles Barkley in 1986.
23 PTS 7 REB 12 AST 2 STL 3 BLK 10-14 FG
The first player to reach those numbers on 70+ FG% in a game since Charles Barkley in 1986.
Scottie Barnes Lands In Legendary Company
Charles Barkley typically doesn’t need an introduction.
While he’s known for his basketball commentary these days, Barkley was once one of the most dominant players in the game of basketball.
The former fifth-overall pick out of Auburn in 1984 started his career with the Raptors’ rival, the Philadelphia 76ers.
Barkley spent eight seasons in Philadelphia before getting four years with the Phoenix Suns. He finished out his career with a four-year run on the Houston Rockets.
In over 1,000 games, Barkley averaged 22.1 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists.
While the stat line is just for one game, it still goes to show how impressive Barnes has been for the Raptors. The veteran forward continues to dominate down the stretch, as the Raptors are working on putting together their second playoff run since Scottie Barnes joined the team in 2021.
Will The Raptors Get To The Playoffs?
The Raptors made some bold moves at the 2025 NBA trade deadline, which many questioned. At the time, they were viewed as win-now moves while the team was putting up rebuilding numbers.
It all makes sense now. The Raptors got some of the right pieces around Barnes and the rest of the supporting cast, and now they are working on punching their ticket to the playoffs.
After Friday’s win over the Pelicans, the Raptors improved to 41-23 on the year.
Heading into the weekend, Toronto has the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 0.5 lead over the Atlanta Hawks and a 1.0 lead over the Sixers.
The Raptors aren’t in the clear just yet, but they have control of the fifth seed for the time being.
Scottie Barnes Puts Up NBA Legend Numbers in Raptors’ Win