Morning Coffee - Nov. 22, 2024

Barnes is back and the tank is dead | Barrett and Boucher were huge | This team is playing with joy | Raptors undefeated on VC floor

Scottie Barnes blends into Toronto’s tapestry to drive win in return - Raptors Republic
There are more passive benefits. With Barnes starting at point guard, Davion Mitchell is bumped to the bench. He stabilizes Toronto’s bench groups, playing against Minnesota’s bench units alongside other former Raptors starters like Gradey Dick and Jakob Poeltl. Toronto runs up the score in those moments. Sure, Barnes isn’t on the court actually doing anything to help. But he’s helping regardless. 

Mostly, Barnes is trying to run run run the ball. He knows Toronto has played well by pushing, by injecting pace like Chev Chelios in Crank. He runs in transition. Minnesota makes a free throw and Barnes is screaming at Jonathan Mogbo, clapping furiously, ‘give me the ball, go go go, let’s push.’

At one point it all combines into one glorious image of stardom. Barnes ostensibly guards McDaniels, who stands high above the break, so Barnes plants himself at the nail, unfurling his arms like the sails of the HMS Victory. Anthony Edwards runs a pick and roll with Rudy Gobert, and Barnes plants a tag on Gobert like a linebacker, stopping him in his tracks and derailing that action. Then noticing the late clock, Barnes doubles Edwards, helping to force an airballed jumper to beat the buzzer. But after the miss, Barnes doesn’t demand the ball. He sees Barrett is closer, also trying to get running, so he gestures furiously to get the ball to Barrett and turns and runs. He’s not trying to commandeer anything, just help catalyze what was already working well. 

Perhaps the most significant indicator of his aggression is his pull-up shooting. He has often been defended by switching, and it has generally been opponents’ best approach, statistically. Against the Timberwolves, he was committed to launching pull-up triples when Minnesota switched his pick and rolls. He canned one in the first half and missed his next, but the make or miss is almost secondary to simply launching as a means of capitalizing on the defensive weakness. With a few minutes remaining, he misses another pull-up triple, but Poeltl grabs the rebound with the big switched onto Barnes.

Raptors vs. Wolves, Nov. 21 Takeaways: Barnes returns to help close in style - Raptors in 7
With Barnes returning, there was a decision for Darko Rajakovic to make. Keep Davion Mitchell in the lineup to have a “traditional” point guard and bench Ochai Agbaji? Or do away with tradition and roll with R.J. Barrett and Barnes handling the bulk of the playmaking duties. Rajakovic, a point guard during his own playing days, elected for the latter.

This was the first time these five had played together and it certainly showed. Players were cutting to similar spots, the areas of preferred operation adding to the mucked up nature the offence took on at times. In 10:25 of play that came at the start of the first and third quarters, the quintet of Barrett-Dick-Agbaji-Barnes-Poeltl was outscored 27-19.

Perhaps more telling was that Rajakovic didn’t elect to close either half with that five. Mitchell-Dick-Barrett-Agbaji-Mogbo closed the second quarter while Mitchell-Dick-Barrett-Barnes-Poeltl closed the fourth quarter. Davion Mitchell’s defence was absolutely terrific in this one and so with Ochai Agbaji struggling, it was a no-brainer to have Mitchell in the game.

While Poeltl saw less usage, Dick also took just nine shots in this one while Agbaji was largely ineffective with four points, zero rebounds, and one nice alley-oop to Poeltl for his lone assist. He did have the unenviable task of being Edwards’ primary defender, but it was Mitchell and Jonathan Mogbo who had more success against him.

Quick Reaction: Timberwolves 105, Raptors 110 - Raptors Republic
C. Boucher - A+
26 MIN, 22 PTS, 4 REB, 0 AST, 2 STL, 7-13 FG, 3-8 3FG, 5-8 FT, 1 BLK, 1 TO, 11 +/-

As always, Boucher was a willing play finisher. He hit a little turnaround, a catch-and-shoot 3 from the wing, and ran out in transition for a dunk for eight first-quarter points. Great Boucher games – where his wild slingshot 3s are falling and his hustle is paying off with easy buckets around the rim and on the break – are so fun. And his unwavering hustle is always refreshing. Kept running hard in the second half and was rewarded with multiple trips to the free throw line.

He may not be Magic, but Raptors' Barnes flashes potential as oversized guard - Sportsnet
But while we’re in the generous comparison space, why not Barnes as a modern-day Magic Johnson?

It’s absurd, of course. The five-time MVP and five-time NBA champion is almost inarguably the best point guard who has ever played, using his six-foot-nine frame to see and make passes others couldn’t. While we’re on topic, by his fourth season Johnson already had two Finals MVP awards on his resume and had led the NBA in assists. Barnes isn’t that yet. 

But Rajakovic invited the blue skying not only because he chose to invoke our basketball lord and saviour Jordan, but because when it came time to decide who Barnes would replace in the starting lineup, he pulled Davion Mitchell — who has been the Raptors starting point guard in the absence of Immanuel Quickley (elbow), who has only played parts of three games so far this season.

Barnes as the Raptors' oversized point guard is a tempting concept. His floor vision is impeccable and he’s as unselfish as they come. His size and athleticism mean when he gets up ahead of steam the defence has no choice but to retreat into the paint. It can’t help but open up opportunity for a shooter like Dick or even create opportunities for Barrett to attack against scrambled defences. It even works with Quickley on the floor, given that the fifth-year guard is an elite three-point shooter who could only benefit from sliding into spots on the perimeter left open when Barnes barrels into the paint or organizes his teammates in transition.

Rajakovic wasn’t dropping names when it came to Barnes, but his enthusiasm for his multi-skilled All-Star is clear.

“I'm probably the biggest believer in Scottie Barnes. I really love his game. I really love everything that he brings to the table,” said Rajakovic. “And all I want is Scottie Barnes to be Scottie Barnes. When Scottie Barnes is aggressive, when Scottie Barnes is competing, when he's rebounding the ball and he's pushing the ball in transition. The way he shares the ball, the way he's playing unselfishly — I don't want Scottie Barnes to be anything outside of Scottie Barnes. I just need him to be the best version of himself. And when he's that, he's really raising the people around him to another level. He's making everybody around him better.”

Which is a point guard’s job description in a nutshell.

Barnes showed his chops even as he was still getting up to full speed after his injury. He found Poeltl more than once on seeing-eye passes through traffic as Barnes used his big frame to bully his way into the paint. Even having played so little basketball since he missed the end of last season with a broken hand, Barnes' instincts in transition remain superb.

Raptors 110, Wolves 105: Raptors Shred Wolves in the Late Game - Canis Hoopus
To me, the point in the game where the Wolves lost was with 4:56 remaining and the game tied at 95. Julius Randle had the ball at the top of the key and Rudy Gobert sealed Scottie Barnes low in the post. Randle (in my opinion correctly) did not pass Gobert the ball and he proceeded to walk while not getting out of the lane which was inevitably called a three second violation. Immediately after this, Rudy frustration fouls Scottie Barnes and gives him two free throws and the lead back to the Raptors. The game was over at this point. Everyone checked out and it was clear the young and hungry Raptors were ready to take the game over. Unacceptable for a team that has championship aspirations.

Scottie Barnes makes anticipated return in Raptors game vs Minnesota Timberwolves - Raptors HQ
Scottie Barnes returns

It wasn’t his best showing of course, which is understandable after you’ve missed three weeks. He looked a little gassed, but still showed good effort. He did make two baskets from distance and assisted six of his teammates shots.

He did score a hearty 17 points, 3 rebounds, low for Scottie of course but not horrid overall.

Ultimately he needs a bit more conditioning before he’s back to the Barnes we all love. He’ll get that now as they Raptors don’t play until Sunday.

Boucher and Barrett

The duo of Chris Boucher and RJ Barrett went off today. Boucher scored 22 points, and Barrett had 31 points off of 10-14 shooting from the field. Along with Poeltl and Barnes, they were the only players in double digits for Toronto.

Barrett has been playing well for weeks, not just showing his trademark efficiency and scoring ability but also showing off his playmaking ability. With the Raptors’ backcourt suffering with injury, it’s nice to see Barrett be able to contribute to that — especially when Scottie was also out.

Scottie Barnes returns to the lineup to lift the Raptors over the T-Wolves - Toronto Star
There were times when the offence looked seamless and concerns with how quickly Barnes might get back in sync with the red-hot RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl were forgotten.

“I don’t want Scottie Barnes to be anything outside of Scottie Barnes, I just need him to be the best version of himself,” Rajakovic said. “And when he’s that, he’s really raising the people around him to another level. He’s making everybody around him better.”

Barrett had 31 points and Poeltl wasn’t nearly as dominant as he’s been, but that had to do with the presence of T-Wolves centre Rudy Gobert. Poeltl still had 15 points and 12 rebounds.

Chris Boucher was stellar off the bench with 22 points and the energy to get a boring night going.

Taking Davion Mitchell out of the starting lineup for Barnes left the Raptors without a true point guard right off the bat.

It’s unfathomable that Immanuel Quickley won’t start when he’s healthy so Rajakovic is going to have to decide whether Gradey Dick’s offence or Ochai Agbaji’s defensive versatility deserves a starting spot.

Until then, the coach will tinker.

“Unfortunately we are dealing with a lot of injuries and those guys are slowly coming back so definitely we have a lot of interest to see whole different lineups and what it looks like it,” Rajakovic said.

Raptors v. Wolves takeaways: Barnes has some Magic, Edwards has some Air Jordan - Toronto Sun
Barnes looked quite good, especially in the first and fourth quarters, after missing 11 games. He was a major factor in the win over the Minnesota Timberwolves and seems full of confidence ahead of a four-game road trip that starts against the best team in the league so far, Cleveland.

Barnes said his cardio felt good, he wasn’t tired and his timing looked just fine as well, other than a couple of early passes in quarters that he threw away. And he seemed to be just as strong, if not stronger in the decisive fourth. Barrett, who was fantastic again, loved having him back.

“Scottie Barnes. Man, that was fun,” Barrett said. “Having Scottie in the lineup for us, he’s a special player.”

Veteran Garrett Temple had predicted a day earlier that Barnes would have a pretty seamless reintegration to the lineup and that the Raptors would thrive with him. “Makes us even more potent,” Temple had said. “Offensively, we’ve been playing really well, we’re sharing the ball, Scottie is able to push the pace, is very unselfish, and obviously can score … And with the type of player that’s coming back. He’s high usage, but he’s a passer first – and second – out there. He’s a guy that gets into the paint and that’s going to create more shots for guys like Gradey (Dick), RJ. And on the defensive side I think he’s really going to help us, especially on the rebounding side.”

Other than only grabbing four rebounds, Barnes lived up to Temple’s expectations. He also predicted Barnes would attract defenders and open things up for others and that’s exactly what happened, especially for Barrett.

Takeaways from Raptors Upset Victory Over T-Wolves in Scottie Barnes' Return - Sports Illustrated
Toronto tried something a little different Thursday night.

With Barnes back, the Raptors opted to go without a traditional point guard in their starting lineup. It made for a bigger more versatile starting unit featuring Barnes, Dick, RJ Barrett, Ochai Agbaji, and Jakob Poeltl. Without Davion Mitchell in the first group, the Raptors left the ball-handling duties to Barnes and Barrett who carried the load admirably.

The lineup wouldn’t have been possible if not for the development Toronto has seen from Barrett as a lead offensive creator over the past few weeks with Barnes sidelined. While Barrett shifted into a secondary role with Barnes back, the two had little problem keeping the Raptors ticking even without Mitchell on the court.

"The amount of pick-and-rolls and situations that RJ was handling, and the way he handled it, the way he was playmaking and scoring just gave me more confidence that I can play with both of them," Rajaković said of Barrett and Barnes together.

The biggest benefit of the lineup came on the defensive end where the Raptors kept Agbaji on Anthony Edwards with Barnes on Julius Randle in a position that afforded him more opportunities to be an off-ball pest for the Raptors. It helped that Mike Conley, Minnesota’s lead point guard was sidelined, but Barrett did a good job holding fellow Canadian Nickeil Alexander-Walker in check as Toronto’s primary defender on Minnesota’s lead guard.

The Raptors did, however, finish with Mitchell on the floor, using his defensive abilities to lock down Edwards in crunch time. Mitchell finished the night a plus-20 in 27 minutes off the bench.

This is not normal.’ Tough losses. High spirits. It’s all about the process - Toronto Star
“You know, I come from (the) old school,” the 38-year-old, 15-year veteran Temple said.

“We’re two and 11, or whatever our record was (3-12 heading into Thursday night), and we come and practise or shoot around, and we’re still jolly and excited.

“And I was looking at coach (Darko Rajakovic), we talked on the side, like, ‘this is not normal.’ ”

This is not to be a criticism of the youngish group, not from Temple, not privately from those higher up in the organization, not from the coaches.

It is the team’s DNA, and it’s good for them. It’s how they are and it’s real.

“I think it’s the character of the guys we have here,” Temple went on. “I think coach does a great job of making sure it stays light and understanding that it’s about the process and not about the end of every single game but a building process.”

You can see the convivial attitude, the interaction on the bench during games and in the few glimpses anyone sees behind the scenes.

It’s true: This group gets along and it understands where it is.

“It’s different if we’re 2-11 and eight of the games were blowouts,” said Temple. “We’re playing really, really good basketball, and I think everybody understands how close we are to reaching that potential and getting wins. So I think that’s where the positivity comes from, and it’s great to have all these young guys cracking jokes all the time.”

The odd win sure helps to validate the work and the attitude and the togetherness and the odd win wipes out the memories of all the close losses.

Each NBA team’s biggest concern a month into the 2024-25 regular season - The Athletic
No chance to build chemistry: RJ Barrett had an AC joint injury. Pelvic and elbow injuries have kept Immanuel Quickley to two and a half games. Scottie Barnes suffered an orbital bone fracture early in the second week of the season. The Raptors schedule was always going to be tough to start the year. However, the presumptive starting lineup, which also features Jakob Poeltl and emerging sophomore Gradey Dick, has played zero minutes. Even if you are rebuilding, you want your core pieces to get big minutes against good teams. The Raptors are missing out on that opportunity. — Eric Koreen

Canada Roll Past the Dominican Republic with a 88-71 Victory - Raptors Republic
The majority of HC Nate Mitchell’s offense tonight hinged on the PnR chemistry between Trae Bell Haynes and Mfiondu Kabengele. The two-man action consistently created good looks and put the Dominican Republic defense in rotation, who began sending more help on the Kabengele roll as the game progressed (scoring gravity from a big!). Aside from that, there was also a concerted effort from Mitchell to run quite a bit of offense out of the “Horns” alignment. Given that this was Mitchell’s first game as the HC of the “Winter Core”, with not much prep time in advance with the players, I didn’t expect an advanced offensive playbook, but there were definitely some interesting actions run that raised my eyebrow, especially for their movement shooter Nate Darling (stay tuned, as always, for a deep dive into the film room).

Meanwhile, Canada’s defense continues to be stifling in these AmeriCup Qualifiers, after holding the Dominican Republic to just 43.1% from 2PT FG and 24% from 3PT FG. While there were a handful of possessions where Canada did pick up full court, it wasn’t nearly as often as what Jordi Fernández implemented at the 2024 Paris Olympics or Nate Bjorkgren with the Winter Core against Nicaragua. The less aggressive scheme meant Canada forced just 14 turnovers tonight, compared to an average 26.5 TOV’s forced in Window 1 (albeit against a worse opponent). Something to keep an eye on as we settle into the Nate Mitchell-led “Winter Core” era.