Raptors’ rising with healthy Scottie Barnes–Brandon Ingram

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Brandon Ingram matched his season high of 37 points in win over Cleveland sucking the game winner with 0.6 seconds left in a comeback win over Indiana.

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In other words, the star power forward did exactly what many in the NBA have seen before but have yet to see since an ankle injury derailed Ingram's season early last December.

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A healthy Ingram, inserted into the Raptors' stellar lineup, seemed a perfect fit in an Eastern Conference that seemed to be on the move after injuries to several standout players.

Detroit defied the odds, although the Pistons were poised for a breakthrough after last year's postseason run.

In Miami, the Heat's demise was premature.

In New York, the impact of the coaching change will only be felt once the playoffs arrive.

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There are other storylines that have attracted attention. However no, may match what Ingram was able to produce and his presence on a Raptors team that is entering a series of back-to-back weekends riding a nine-game winning streak.

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Since the team's opening night win in Atlanta, the Raptors have lost four games in a row. In each loss, the Raptors were ineffective relative to their size, with Toronto's defense allowing an average of 130 points.

Flurry of victories

During this flurry of victories, rival Toronto did not play very well, beating three teams that entered the game with one win.

Indiana came into Toronto on Wednesday night winless on the road but managed to build a double-digit lead.

The Pacers play hard and pushed the Raptors to the limit, but the inevitable loss has become a reality.

The win was lost to Toronto's abysmal shooting. It's not often that a team misses 21 shots on 26 shots from beyond the 3-point arc and still comes out on top. It's even rarer for a team to shoot 39% from the field and still win.

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In good times, the deciding factor is often the correct play of the game.

Against the Pacers, the late game started with a block. It continued with the Raptors not calling a timeout after they controlled possession and ended with Ingram's pull-up jumper.

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Ingram played as advertised, which is from an offensive standpoint.

As long as he's healthy, other games like the one he had against the Cavs and his late-game heroics against the Pacers will continue because his offensive game is so good and versatile.

This is Scotty Barnes' team.

Raptors fans should always remember that success will depend on the play of Scottie Barnes.

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The Raptors haven't magically transformed into championship contenders, but in a weak conference and playing weaker opponents, rushing to judgment is inevitable.

All in all, the team will have to somehow find a way to gain size and hopefully consistent perimeter shooting to fully enter that legit territory, at least in the East.

The NBA's big boys have gone west, and as it stands, the Raptors are no match for them. After years of losing, no one is going to worry too much about it.

Barnes has only suffered defeats since his rookie season when his play was encouraging. His current game is evolving, thanks in part to Ingram's presence.

The two combined to score 50 of Toronto's 97 points in the two-point win over Indiana.

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It is noteworthy that Barnes converted all 14 of his line attempts. He made as many free throws as the entire Pacers team, and his career-high 10 rebounds also spoke to his effectiveness on the glass.

In terms of one-two punch, you'll be hard-pressed to find a team in the East that has a better tandem than the Barnes-Ingram combination.

As long as health doesn't impact the Raptors, this race could be sustainable. No one expects such a long period, but the days of defeat seem to be over.

The Raptors will compete in the NBA Cup quarterfinals with a date in Las Vegas on the line.

NBA observers have turned their attention to the Raptors, whose profile will only increase if they can make it to Sin City, where the Lakers won the tournament opener followed by last year's Cup win in Milwaukee.

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For now, the Raptors' ability to stay focused will be tested when they next take the field Saturday in Charlotte, knowing the litmus test awaits Sunday in New York against the Knicks as Toronto closes out its November schedule.

The emergence of Ingram and Barnes' developing game represents a promising starting point, as each has shown they can take over games and sometimes win games.

The key is to add the surrounding elements, namely size and shooting, and hope no one gets hurt.

The Raptors aren't as bad as a team that has lost four straight and been so weak defensively, but they certainly aren't as good as a team that has won nine straight against mostly bad opponents.

Like everyone else, they are somewhere in the middle.

But they will be a playoff team and securing home court in the first round is on the agenda.

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