Barnes’ Historic Night Lifts Raptors Over Warriors in Overtime Thriller
The Toronto Raptors, facing challenges beyond just roster availability, received a monumental performance from Scottie Barnes on Sunday, securing a 141-127 overtime victory against the Golden State Warriors and snapping a three-game losing streak. Barnes finished with a remarkable 32 points,a franchise-record-tying 25 rebounds,and 10 assists – the first 20-point,20-rebound triple-double in Raptors history. The win improves Toronto’s record to 19-14 as they embark on a crucial five-game homestand.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with the Raptors needing every minute of Barnes’ brilliance to overcome a seven-point deficit with just 1:45 remaining in regulation. barnes’ impact wasn’t solely defined by the final stat line, but by the timing of his contributions. In the final 90 seconds, he scored, grabbed crucial offensive rebounds, and forced a pivotal steal, all contributing to a late-game surge that forced overtime.
“He got them extra possessions all night,” noted Warriors star Steph Curry, who finished with 39 points despite relentless defensive pressure. “Nine offensive rebounds by himself… he was just relentless on the boards.”
A key moment came late in the fourth quarter when second-year guard Jamal Shead drew an offensive foul on Curry, giving the Raptors possession with 2.4 seconds left. Though a last-second three-pointer by Brandon Ingram (26 points) missed, Barnes continued to dominate in overtime, opening the extra period with an alley-oop and consistently securing offensive rebounds to set up key baskets, including a three-pointer from Ja’Kobe Walter that extended Toronto’s lead to seven. He sealed the victory with a powerful dunk, putting the Raptors up by 12.
The Raptors have been navigating a challenging stretch with Jakob Poeltl sidelined due to a back injury, having played only six minutes in the last 13 days.Barnes’ ability to step up and play notable minutes at center has been crucial. The team received further positive news with the signing of Mo Bamba, a seven-foot-one center, to a deal for the remainder of the season.
Bamba, a former No. 6 overall pick, brings potential but has struggled with consistency throughout his career.his recent performance in the G League – averaging 17.6 points, 11.7 rebounds, and three blocks – suggests a renewed commitment. His contract is not guaranteed until January 10th, adding an element of performance-based incentive.
The return of RJ barrett from injury is also expected to bolster the Raptors. While he will need time to regain his rhythm, Barrett provides a much-needed physical presence and scoring threat, notably in transition. “He creates so much pressure on the rim,” Barnes said of Barrett. “Transition, we certainly know we miss him a lot… he gets out and runs a lot.”
Barrett acknowledged the team’s struggles in his absence, stating, “Of course, I feel that. The team felt that. But at the end of the day, I was out, so next man up mentality.”
Beyond the Raptors’ immediate gains, the game also highlighted the enduring dominance of Steph Curry. A separate analysis revealed that Curry’s record-breaking three-point shooting prowess remains unmatched. One observer noted that Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel is on pace for a record-breaking rookie three-point season, but still has a monumental climb to reach Curry’s career totals. In the 2015-16 season, Curry made 402 three-pointers, a mark that remains significantly higher than any other player’s single-season total.
Shead’s defensive play on Curry, culminating in the crucial offensive foul, also drew praise.”I wasn’t trying to reinvent the wheel,” Shead explained, “He’s one of the players I grew up watching… I’m just trying to stay on his hip, and anticipate… [but] I got lucky, I got a good call.”
As Barnes aptly put it, “I was just going out there playing the game.” But on Sunday, that simple act translated into a historic performance and a vital win for the Toronto Raptors.
