TORONTO — In a challenging game against the New York Knicks, the Toronto Raptors faced a setback as forward Scottie Barnes sustained a sprained right ankle during the third quarter of their 113-108 loss. His injury occurred when he attempted to block a shot from Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns and landed awkwardly. Teammates assisted Barnes off the court, as he was unable to put weight on his right foot.
Following the game, Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic provided some solace in the form of positive news; initial X-rays on Barnes’ ankle showed no fractures. Prior to his exit, Barnes had contributed 15 points over 23 minutes of play, showcasing his importance to the team.
This wasn’t the first injury concern for Barnes this season; he had previously missed 11 games due to a right orbital fracture and has since been playing while wearing protective glasses. The Raptors struggled significantly without him, posting a record of just 2-9 during his absence.
Barnes, who was named the 2022 NBA Rookie of the Year and earned his first All-Star selection last season, secured a contract extension this summer that could be worth up to $270 million if he meets supermax criteria. He had entered Monday’s match with impressive averages of 21 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game.
While Barnes’ injury is concerning, the lack of fractures in his ankle offers a glimmer of hope for a quicker recovery. The Raptors and their fans will be hopeful for a swift return, as his presence is crucial for the team’s success moving forward.
In summary, while the Raptors grapple with adversity in the form of Barnes’ injury, positive news about his X-rays and his significant contributions prior to this incident offer the team a reason to stay optimistic about the rest of the season.