Raptors Notes: Scottie Barnes Delivers Late Play, Brandon Ingram Shows Out

The Toronto Raptors picked up a needed win Friday over the Phoenix Suns, and Scottie Barnes delivered one of the biggest moments of the night.

Barnes, who entered questionable because of illness, finished with 14 points, six rebounds and four assists. His biggest play came late, when he chased down Jalen Green and blocked a dunk attempt from behind with 43 seconds remaining.

The play led to a fast-break dunk by RJ Barrett and essentially sealed the win.

“Got out there. Was a little tired and a little winded,” Barnes said, via Michael Grange of Sportsnet. “Fight through and make it to live another day.”

The victory was Toronto’s first over a team with a winning record since Jan. 25.

Ingram Breaks Out

Brandon Ingram had a big night as well, scoring 36 points on 13-of-20 shooting while adding seven rebounds.

“I think it was an urgency to compete and most of all stay together,” Ingram said. “Tonight we just stayed connected.”

Team Responds To Earlier Incident

Coach Darko Rajaković had recently challenged the group after feeling the team failed to respond when Dejounte Murray taunted Jamal Shead in a loss earlier in the week.

“I thought we did not handle the situation the way we want,” Rajaković said before the game.

This time, teammates immediately rushed over when Grayson Allen committed a flagrant foul on Barrett.

Shead Keeps Perspective

Shead, meanwhile, didn’t make much of the Murray moment. “I was just like, ‘Oh snap, he’s over me,’” he said.

He finished with six points and eight assists off the bench.