Scottie Barnes Enters NBA MVP Conversation After Eight Games

In their second group stage game of the NBA Cup, the Toronto Raptors defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 121-107 to improve to 1-1. The Raptors were without seven-time All-Star Kawhi Leonard, franchise cornerstone Scottie Barnes, and starting point guard Immanuel Quickley, but were able to find enough contributions to outlast the now 1-8 Bucks. 

Specifically, Alijah Martin, who isn't normally a part of the rotation, earned 31 minutes off the bench and took advantage. He tied RJ Barrett for a game-high 27 points and showed off incredible efficiency along the way. He was 9-for-11 from the field, including 6-for-7 from three; prior to last night, his career-highs in a game were nine points, three field goals made, and one three-pointer (via StatMuse). 

Before being given the night off to rest a lingering groin/adductor issue, Barnes has been dominating on both ends. In eight games, he’s averaging 23.5 points (1st on team), 7.6 rebounds (1st), 5.1 assists (3rd), and 2.3 steals per game (2nd) on 47.5% shooting. Last season, it became very clear that he was the team’s defensive leader as he finished in fifth for the Defensive Player of the Year voting. This season, he has made it his mission to prove he is a top-tier offensive player as well, and he has done so by scoring in the paint at will, along with highly increased shot-making in the midrange. 

With Leonard missing the past seven games due to swelling in his left knee, there has been no doubt that the Raptors’ success is widely linked to the All-NBA-level play from the former No. 4 pick in the 2021 NBA draft. Because of that, he has made his way onto the first MVP rankings of the year from nba.com. He wasn’t able to crack the top-10 and receive a paragraph of praise from writer Shaun Powell, but he made the list at No. 14, with room to improve should the Raptors capture some wins against top teams. He was snubbed from the three All-NBA teams last season, and if he wants to be selected this year, now is the time to prove it to the voters. 

The next seven games could make or break Toronto’s season. Leonard is expected to return at some point soon, but it is pivotal that Barnes continues to play at this level for the team to stay afloat. Monday night they face the Memphis Grizzlies, who started the season 6-0, but are in the midst of a three-game losing streak. From then on, they will play the Boston Celtics (2nd in East), Philadelphia 76ers (1st in East), reigning champion New York Knicks twice, Washington Wizards (8th in East), and Detroit Pistons (3rd in East).