Scottie Barnes took 34 shots against Orlando on Friday and went to the free-throw line three times. Toronto lost 121-114, slipped to 3-2, and leaves home for four games with its coach openly questioning the whistle.
The Whistle Gap
Orlando's top four scorers went 25-of-29 at the line. Barnes, carrying 41 points, went 2-of-3. Darko Rajakovic, as relayed by Josh Lewenberg of TSN, called that "kinda BS to be honest with you." Lewenberg also credited the Magic's shooting, putting them at 18-of-33 from three. Toronto's 9-0 run in the fourth produced its only real lead, 102-100, and Orlando answered to close it out. The Raptors never led by more than two all night.
West Without Leonard
The trip opens November 1 at the Lakers, then the Clippers the next night, Denver on November 4 and Milwaukee in a Cup game on November 6. Kawhi Leonard's left knee keeps him sidelined until around November 23, so this swing belongs to Barnes, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. Nate Bittle, out with a right foot problem, could be back by November 2. At 3-2, Toronto holds the No. 4 seed and is on pace for 49 wins.
Poeltl's Quiet Argument
Jakob Poeltl was the only Toronto starter on the plus side Friday: 12 points, 11 rebounds, +8 in 23 minutes. Lewenberg noted his first four games combined produced 11 points. Rookie Allen Graves hit both his shots in nine minutes, and Raptors Rapture argued he deserved more run. Yet Rajakovic closed the final five minutes with Poeltl on the bench. Whether that changes in Los Angeles is the question worth watching.
How many points did Scottie Barnes score against the Magic?
Barnes scored 41 on 19-of-34 shooting with five rebounds and five assists. Toronto still lost 121-114.
When will Kawhi Leonard return for the Raptors?
Leonard's left knee has a return estimated around November 23. He will miss the four-game road trip that ends in Milwaukee on November 6.
