The Raptors are soaring after securing consecutive victories against the Suns and Pistons, and RJ Barrett's standout performances have been a major factor. Barrett lit up the scoreboard with 22 points on 56.3% shooting against the Suns, followed by an impressive 27 points on 64.7% shooting against the Pistons.
However, it wasn't just his scoring that caught attention after the win over Detroit. Barrett's defensive prowess earned high praise from both his head coach and teammates.
Head coach Darko Rajakovic highlighted Barrett's potential as an elite two-way player. "There’s absolutely nothing stopping him from reaching that level," Rajakovic remarked.
"He has all the physical tools to guard positions one through four across the league. It’s about grit and consistency, and he’s showing that more and more, which is crucial for our team’s success."
Teammate Brandon Ingram echoed these sentiments, noting Barrett’s recent defensive intensity. "He’s embraced the challenge, especially in these last two games," Ingram said. "His energy on defense is translating to the offensive end, and it’s really benefiting him."
The numbers back up Barrett's impact. According to NBA stats, the Raptors posted a 111.9 defensive rating with Barrett on the court over the last two games, compared to a 128.6 rating when he was off.
Defense is the Raptors’ cornerstone
While the Raptors might not always shine offensively-they rank 19th in the league in offensive rating and struggle with three-point shooting-they boast several high-level scorers. Ingram, Barrett, Scottie Barnes, and Immanuel Quickley each average over 17 points per game. Despite this talent, the team ranks 22nd in points per game.
In games where scoring is a challenge, the Raptors rely on their defense to shift momentum. They excel in this area, holding the seventh-best defensive rating in the league. Opponents are limited to 111.9 points per game on 46.5% shooting.
Scottie Barnes is the defensive anchor, likely earning All-Defensive Team honors this season. Yet, the Raptors' defensive success hinges on collective effort and intensity. When Barrett is locked in defensively, it elevates the entire team’s performance, making them formidable on both ends of the court.