TORONTO – Scotty Barnes is focused on one statistic: the Toronto Raptors' win-loss record.
But with that single-minded approach to the game, Barnes is still putting together a stellar season, highlighted by a historic breakthrough in Toronto's 141-127 overtime win Sunday over the Golden State Warriors. Barnes recorded his first triple-double of the season with 23 points, a franchise-high 25 rebounds and 10 assists.
Barnes' biggest rebound of the game came with 24.8 seconds left in the fourth quarter when Raptors forward Brandon Ingram missed a 3-pointer from 24 feet. Barnes grabbed the rebound to tie the game 122-122 and force overtime.
“Nothing crossed my mind,” Barnes said of the clutch play. “I was just breaking the glass and putting the ball back in the hoop, just watching where the ball was going, just putting it back in.
“I’m just trying to do everything I can to win.”
Barnes became the 23rd player in NBA history to score over 23 points, over 25 rebounds and over 10 assists in a single game.
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The great Wilt Chamberlain was responsible for 15 of the 23 cases; Elgin Baylor (twice), Maurice Stokes, Bob Pettit, Maurice Lucas and most recently Nikola Jokic have also accomplished this feat.
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However, Barnes remained humble, saying he just came out and played the game.
“I was in situations where I could have come back, helped others. I was just in the right places at the right time,” said Barnes, who had a triple-double before regulation expired. “I approach every game with that mindset. I just want to go out there and make an impact and be the best I can be on the floor.”
“I just want to try ways to help us win.”
Immanuel Quickley had 27 points and seven assists for Toronto (19-14), while Brandon Ingram added 26 points and six assists.
“Amazing grit from the whole group and Scotty led the way with his rebounding efforts, led the play, led the defense,” Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic said. “Today he was really at a very high level.
“It was an impressive performance and I look forward to watching the film again tonight and enjoying it.”
Stephen Curry scored a game-high 39 points, including 14 in the third quarter, as Golden State's 16-16 winning streak was snapped.
Despite his dominant performance, Curry said it was Barnes who set the tempo of the game.
“He plays at his own pace,” Curry said. “He has a huge presence and is a great playmaker, even if it is a little unconventional, so he uses mismatches to his advantage.
“He gave them an extra edge all night, nine offensive rebounds. He was just relentless on the boards.”
The Raptors were without two centers as Jakob Poeltl (lower back) and Collin Murray-Boyles (illness) were unavailable. Media reports during the game stated that Toronto had signed free agent center Mo Bamba to a one-year contract.
Meanwhile, the six-foot-eight Barnes had to serve as a floating center.
“I just have a different role. I play in the five,” said Barnes, who usually plays forward. “Trying to find different ways to create offense and still be aggressive.
“Just trying to find ways of when to screen, when to get out of the way, when to be in the dunker (spot), find ways to keep making plays, how I can still attack the play and still (maintain) my aggression.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 28, 2025.
© 2025 The Canadian Press
