The Toronto Raptors dropped their second straight game on Friday night, falling 130-120 to the Orlando Magic. That loss nudged them down to the No. 5 spot in the Eastern Conference, just behind the surging Cleveland Cavaliers. But even in defeat, there were flashes of brilliance-none brighter than a buzzer-beating sequence that reminded everyone just how dynamic Scottie Barnes can be.
With the first half winding down and the Magic missing a shot, Barnes grabbed the rebound, took one look downcourt, and unleashed a full-court dart to Ja’Kobe Walter. Walter caught it in stride and flipped in a layup just as the buzzer sounded. It was the kind of play that doesn’t just show up on highlight reels-it shows up in film rooms, where coaches point and say, “That’s how you push tempo with purpose.”
Scottie Barnes with a WILD outlet pass before the buzzer 🚨
— ESPN (@espn) January 31, 2026
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That moment was vintage Barnes: head up, vision sharp, execution flawless. And it’s that kind of all-around impact that’s kept Toronto in the playoff conversation all season long.
The Raptors may have lost the game, but they’re still very much in the thick of things in the East. At 29-21, they’re battling for home-court advantage in the opening round-a position they haven’t been in for four years.
If they get there, Barnes will be a big reason why.
Now in his third NBA season, the former No. 4 overall pick is building a strong case for his second All-Star nod. His first came last season, and the numbers this year suggest he’s only getting better.
Against Orlando, he posted 19 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and four blocks in 36 minutes. He shot an efficient 7-of-14 from the field and knocked down five of his seven free throws.
That performance fits right in line with what he’s done all year. Through 48 games, Barnes has been logging over 34 minutes a night, averaging 19.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game. He’s shooting just under 50% from the field, and while his three-point shot still has room to grow (31.1% from deep), his free throw percentage is a strong 82.9%-a sign that the shooting touch is there.
What makes Barnes so valuable isn’t just the stat line-it’s the way he fills in the gaps. Need a stop?
He’s there with a block or a steal. Need a bucket?
He can create his own or set up a teammate. Need a jolt of energy?
Just rewind that full-court pass to Walter and watch it again.
Toronto’s recent skid may have cooled some of the momentum, but with Barnes leading the way, this team has the tools to stay in the playoff mix-and maybe even make some noise when they get there.