Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic made bold predictions Sunday about Scottie Barnes’ future, declaring the forward will become an NBA MVP and Finals MVP during his career.
The proclamation came after Barnes dominated the second half of Toronto’s 122-104 victory over the Indiana Pacers, transforming a sluggish performance into a 25-point, 14-rebound, six-assist showcase. The Raptors trailed by two at halftime before Barnes sparked a commanding turnaround.
“Scottie is going to be NBA Finals MVP one day. Scottie is going to MVP of this league one day,” Rajakovic stated. “I’m calling it now. You can write down the date when I said that.”
Barnes delivered a nine-minute third-quarter explosion that shifted Toronto’s deficit into a 16-point lead. He finished plus-22 in 33 minutes while adding two steals and four blocks on 12-of-20 shooting.
The early 3 p.m. tip-off presented challenges for both teams. Toronto shot just 7-of-12 from the free-throw line in the first half while committing 11 turnovers against the Eastern Conference’s worst team.
“Afternoon? That’s when I’m asleep,” said Brandon Ingram in the locker room.
Rajakovic addressed the slow start at halftime, telling his squad it was “time to wake up.” Barnes responded immediately with dunks, blocks, and precise outlet passes that energized Toronto’s offense.
Sandro Mamukelashvili contributed 17 points off the bench, connecting on six of nine attempts including three three-pointers. The Georgian forward is averaging 15.7 points per game since January 18 while shooting 47 percent from deep.
Trayce Jackson-Davis recorded a double-double in his Raptors debut with 10 points and 10 rebounds in 15 minutes. The $2.4 million team option on his contract provides Toronto financial flexibility heading into the offseason.
Barnes deflected praise toward his coach while emphasizing the team’s collective needs.
“I was feeling it a little bit, going downhill, attacking. We needed to score,” Barnes said.