Illustration of Barnes' Ankle Injury Sparks Concern for Raptors Fans

Barnes’ Ankle Injury Sparks Concern for Raptors Fans

Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes suffered a sprained right ankle during the team’s 113-108 defeat against the New York Knicks on Monday night. His injury occurred in the third quarter when he landed awkwardly after attempting to block a shot by Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns. Barnes had to be assisted off the court by his teammates and was unable to bear weight on his injured foot as he made his way to the locker room.

Following the game, Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic informed the media that initial X-rays conducted on Barnes’ ankle showed no fractures, providing a glimmer of hope for a quicker recovery. In the limited time he played before his injury, Barnes contributed 15 points over 23 minutes.

Earlier in the season, Barnes faced his own challenges, having missed 11 games due to a right orbital fracture that required him to wear protective glasses upon his return on November 21. During his absence, the Raptors struggled significantly, managing only two wins in nine games without him.

A 2022 NBA Rookie of the Year and first-time All-Star last season, Barnes signed a lucrative contract extension this summer, potentially worth around $270 million if he meets the supermax criteria. As of the game against the Knicks, he was having a standout season, averaging a career-high 21 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game.

The situation brings mixed emotions—while the injury is undoubtedly a setback, the absence of a fracture provides optimism. Fans and teammates alike will be hoping for Barnes’ swift return to the court as he continues to build on what has already been a promising season.

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