In a setback for the Toronto Raptors, forward Scottie Barnes was forced to leave Monday night’s matchup against the New York Knicks due to an ankle injury. The game ended in a 113-108 defeat for the Raptors, with Barnes exiting midway through the third quarter after twisting his right ankle.
The unfortunate incident occurred when Barnes attempted to block a shot by Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns, landing awkwardly and injuring his ankle. The injury seemed severe as Barnes was unable to place any weight on his right foot and had to be assisted off the court by his teammates, eventually making his way to the locker room while hopping on one leg.
Initial medical assessments conducted post-game revealed no fractures in Barnes’ foot, providing a glimmer of hope for the Raptors and their fans. Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic shared this update following the match, indicating that further medical evaluation would be necessary to determine the full extent of the injury.
Barnes’ absence could have significant implications for the team. Earlier in the season, he missed 11 games due to a right orbital fracture, during which the Raptors struggled, achieving a 2-9 record without him. Since returning on November 21, Barnes has been wearing protective glasses, underscoring the physical challenges he’s faced this season.
Prior to his exit, Barnes contributed 15 points in 23 minutes, underlining his importance to the team’s performance. His current season has seen him achieving career-high averages of 21 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game. Barnes’ achievements include being named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2022 and earning his first All-Star selection last season.
Notably, Barnes secured a substantial contract extension this summer, with the potential to earn up to $270 million should he meet the supermax criteria, reflecting his value to the franchise.
As the Raptors await further updates on Scottie Barnes’ condition, the team must prepare to adapt without one of their key players. Barnes’ performance this season has been a cornerstone for the Raptors, and his ongoing health will be crucial to their success moving forward.
Source: Espn
