After a rocky start to December, the Toronto Raptors are finally showing signs of life - and it’s not just about the wins. Yes, they’ve picked up back-to-back victories over the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks, two teams that don’t exactly hand out Ws.
But what’s more compelling is how the Raptors are winning. At the center of it all?
Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes - two names that are starting to sound like a legitimate All-Star tandem.
Let’s start with Ingram. His performance against Milwaukee on December 18 was the kind of night that reminds you why he’s such a dynamic offensive weapon when he’s locked in.
He poured in 29 points on an efficient 9-of-18 shooting, knocked down four of his six three-point attempts, and was nearly automatic from the line (7-for-8). That’s not just scoring - that’s a player dictating the pace, finding his rhythm, and making the defense react to him.
Add in eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals, and you’ve got a full-on impact game on both ends of the floor.
But Ingram’s recent stretch isn’t just about the numbers. It’s the energy, the urgency, the hustle - all of which had dipped earlier this month. He’s turned a corner, and the Raptors are reaping the benefits.
Then there’s Scottie Barnes. The stat line from that same Milwaukee game jumps off the page: 24 points on a blistering 10-of-14 from the field, 2-of-3 from deep, 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks.
That’s the kind of all-around performance we’ve come to expect from Barnes - a player who doesn’t just fill the box score, but imposes his will on the game. He did have five turnovers, sure, but that’s part of the deal when you’re constantly trying to make plays.
What stood out more was his presence: the energy, the communication, the leadership. That’s what coaches love, and that’s what Darko Rajakovic made a point to highlight after the game.
“Brandon was great on both ends of the floor,” Rajakovic said postgame. “His rebounding was great.
He was able to score. He was aggressive and getting to the free throw line.
I do think that he should be getting even more free throws, to be honest with you. Scottie’s energy at the start of the game was unbelievable.
His communication, the way he was helping teammates - unbelievable.”
That kind of praise doesn’t come lightly. And it’s not just coach-speak.
Rajakovic sees what’s brewing between these two. The Ingram-Barnes pairing is still in its early stages, but the potential is obvious.
These aren’t two players taking turns - they’re learning how to complement each other. Ingram’s smooth scoring and perimeter shot-making balance out Barnes’ physicality, versatility, and defensive instincts.
It’s not perfect yet - and growing pains are part of the process - but the foundation is there.
And the timing couldn’t be better. The 2026 NBA All-Star voting is now open, and if the Raptors can keep stringing together wins, both Ingram and Barnes could be in the mix for a trip to All-Star Weekend.
Toronto hasn’t sent two players to the midseason showcase since Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam in 2020. That’s been a minute.
But this isn’t about nostalgia - it’s about what’s happening right now. Ingram has rediscovered his groove.
Barnes is evolving into the kind of player who can impact the game in every facet. And together, they’re starting to look like the kind of duo that can carry a team up the Eastern Conference ladder.
There’s still work to do, and the East is as competitive as ever. But if Ingram and Barnes keep playing at this level - and more importantly, if they keep doing it together - then the Raptors won’t just be chasing wins.
They’ll be chasing relevance. And maybe even a couple of All-Star nods along the way.