Despite coming up short against the Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors’ first year man Scottie Barnes has left a positive impression on superstar Kevin Durant.
Barnes had some impressive defensive moments against Durant, and the proof of that is the rookie’s career-high five steals on the duel and this tremendous two-way play:
“You’ve got a lot of guys who love to compete and love to win, but what’s more rare about Scottie Barnes is his IQ for the game, his length, his enthusiasm for the game,” Durant said.
“All of that stuff shines bright when you watch him play. You can tell he just wants to be there for his teammates, he makes winning basketball plays.”
The two-time Finals MVP was even shocked upon knowing the age of the No. 4 overall pick of the recent draft.
“I think a lot of young guys in the league have that competitive fire, but he has something a little extra as far as seeing the game a little slower and that’s rare for a guy, how old is he 19, 20? Sheesh,” Durant said in disbelief.
“He knows how to play the right way and he’s only going to get better.”
Barnes had an all-around demonstration, carving up eight points, seven rebounds, four assists and five steals against the Nets. Through nine games with the Raptors, he is leading all his fellow newcomers in scoring (16.6 per game), rebounding (8.7 per game) and minutes (38.4) averages.
Toronto and Brooklyn are scheduled for another Eastern Conference face-off on December 14.
