Toronto Raptors star RJ Barrett returned to the lineup Sunday after missing time with a sprained knee, finishing with 12 points on 5-of-13 shooting before sitting out the second night of the back-to-back on Monday.
Even with a limited showing, his presence was clearly felt, as Toronto has posted its best offensive efficiency this season when he’s on the floor, with a 116.6 offensive rating during his minutes.
His teammates were quick to point out how much he impacts the game beyond the box score. Scottie Barnes highlighted how Barrett’s ability to pressure the defense changes the flow of the offense, especially in transition and around the rim.
“He creates so much pressure on the rim,” Barnes said Sunday, per Grange. “Catch and shoot is amazing. Transition, we know we miss him a lot, those fast breaks … he gets out and runs a lot. He leads our fast breaks. He’s big for us.
“With play-making, you saw when I screened for him, being able to get that roll, going downhill (and getting) easy dunks. He does a lot for this team that it’s hard to try to take over in that sense.”
The Raptors got back on track the past two nights: https://t.co/mVpN02mEvq
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) December 31, 2025
