Scottie Barnes Returns in Raptors' Loss

Scottie Barnes made a highly anticipated return to the Toronto Raptors after a seven-month injury hiatus, showcasing his potential despite the team's disappointing performance against the Washington Wizards. In his first game back, Barnes scored or assisted on the Raptors' first six points, finishing with 16 points and eight rebounds in just 20 minutes. However, he struggled with his three-point shooting, missing all three attempts, and recorded five turnovers. The Raptors have placed significant expectations on Barnes to enhance his perimeter shooting, as much of the team's success hinges on his ability to expand his game. The Raptors' overall struggles last season without Barnes, where they went 3-19 post-injury, highlight his importance to the franchise. Despite the loss, his return provided a glimpse of hope for fans regarding the team's future performance.