NBA Notes: Raptors, Scottie Barnes, Thunder, Jalen Williams, Nuggets

Raptors

The Raptors got exactly what they needed in Game 3. And then some.

Scottie Barnes took over, finishing with 33 points and 11 assists with just one turnover in a 126-104 win over Cleveland, as noted by Eric Koreen of The Athletic. The victory cut the series deficit to 2-1 and prevented a 3-0 hole.

“What he does is just so special,” teammate Jamison Battle said. “We have to play to that level every single night.”

Toronto did it without Immanuel Quickley, who has since been ruled out for the rest of the series because of a hamstring injury. Brandon Ingram also continues to search for consistency, finishing with 12 points in Game 3.

Still, with Barnes playing at that level, it was more than enough.

Thunder

Not great news for Thunder forward Jalen Williams. But it could have been worse.

Williams has been diagnosed with a left hamstring strain and will be evaluated weekly, per Joe Mussatto of The Oklahoman.

Coach Mark Daigneault described it as a relatively positive development, noting the injury is considered a mild Grade 1 strain.

Williams will travel with the team to Phoenix rather than remain in Oklahoma City to rehab.

That’s notable given his recent play.

He averaged 20.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 26 minutes over the first two games of the series against the Suns.

Health has been an issue before, with previous hamstring trouble earlier this season.

His status beyond this round remains unclear.

Nuggets

The Nuggets enter Game 4 needing a response. They may still be shorthanded.

Aaron Gordon is listed as questionable with a calf issue after going through a walk-through and receiving treatment, according to Anthony Slater of ESPN. He missed Game 3 because of calf tightness.

Peyton Watson will not play in Game 4 due to a hamstring strain, Slater added.

Down 2-1 in the series, Denver could use both.