Barnes re-added to Raptors’ injury woes in loss

TORONTO – The Toronto Raptors’ injury troubles continue to plague them.

All-star forward Scottie Barnes suffered a sprained right ankle in the third quarter of Toronto’s 113-108 defeat to the New York Knicks on Monday, exiting the game after just 23 minutes on the court. This injury adds to the Raptors’ long list of setbacks, as they have yet to field their optimal starting lineup this season.

Head coach Darko Rajakovic, however, remains resolute in the face of adversity.

“I never dwell on such matters,” Rajakovic stated post-game. “Injuries like these are beyond my control.

“I don’t question anything. We will navigate through this and face the challenge head-on.”

Barnes, the lone all-star for Toronto last season, had to be assisted off the court with 6:47 remaining in the third quarter while the Raptors held a 73-68 lead. He sustained the injury while blocking a shot from Karl-Anthony Towns and landing on the Knicks forward’s foot.

Barnes contributed 15 points, five rebounds, and three assists before his exit. He and RJ Barrett from Mississauga, Ont., combined for 15 points in the third quarter alone before Barnes got injured.

“It was a tough setback. We were playing well, especially with Scottie on the floor,” said Barrett, who led all scorers with 30 points. “Despite that, it was a close game in the end.

“We had our chances. It was a hard-fought battle. These are the games you wish to win. Overall, I believe we performed admirably.”

Barnes underwent X-rays on his ankle, which came back negative, and he will undergo further evaluation on Tuesday.

“It’s always disheartening to see a teammate go down, especially someone as impactful as (Barnes) is for us,” remarked rookie Ja’Kobe Walter, who achieved a career-high 19 points off the bench. “However, it’s a ‘next man up’ situation.

“We all realize that we must continue to fight because the game isn’t over, but of course, we prefer to be on the court playing.”

Towns sealed the victory for New York with a layup and a three-pointer in the final seconds, finishing with a double-double of 24 points and 15 rebounds for the Knicks (15-9) in a closely contested match with 13 ties and 19 lead changes.

Jakob Poeltl also recorded a double-double with 14 rebounds and 10 points for Toronto (7-18) as they concluded their five-game homestand with a 2-3 record.

Barnes, Barrett, and point guard Immanuel Quickley are envisioned as the core of Toronto’s starting lineup, but they have not played together in 47 consecutive games, dating back to the 2023-24 season when Barnes underwent season-ending surgery for a hand fracture.

Quickley has only participated in three games this season due to injuries. Rajakovic mentioned that additional imaging would be required for Quickley’s elbow this week.

Backup center Kelly Olynyk returned to Toronto’s lineup on Saturday after missing the initial 21 games of the season. Walter, the 19th overall draft pick last summer, made his NBA debut on November 1 after a shoulder injury in the preseason delayed his start.

Barrett also dealt with a shoulder sprain early in the preseason, returning after missing the initial three games of the season.

“At the start of the year, many of us were sidelined, including myself,” Walter mentioned. “We all have confidence in each other to step up and contribute when on the court.

“Even with injuries, we continue to persevere and work together.”

This isn’t Barnes’s first injury this season. He sat out 11 games from October 30 to November 18 due to a fractured orbital bone.

UP NEXT

Knicks: Hosting the Atlanta Hawks (13-12) on Wednesday.

Raptors: Traveling to Miami to face the Heat (12-10) on Thursday.

This report by The Canadian Press was originally published on December 9, 2024.

&copy 2024 The Canadian Press