Nuggets Coach Impressed by Raptors’ Sensation Scottie Barnes’ Stellar Performance
Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone noticed Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes for his excellent performance in a game against Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets.
Michael Malone, the head coach of the Denver Nuggets is not easily impressed by anyone these days . When a reporter asked him about the most memorable play from Nikola Jokic in their recent 113-104 victory over the Toronto Raptors, Malone found it very hard to single out one of them.
He said , “Nothing really stands out. I don’t have a single which is eye-popping.” This comes just after a game where Jokic pulled off a slick move, tossing the ball off the backboard, and it bounced perfectly to Aaron Gordon, who then set up Michael Porter Jr. for a three-pointer from the corner.
It might not seem like a big deal, but in the midst of it all, there was one player who caught Malone’s eye.
“Scottie Barnes is something else,” Malone shared with reporters after the game. “He was just relentlessly attacking, putting a ton of pressure on our defense in every transition, whether it was a make, a miss, or a turnover.”
Barnes isn’t close to being a two-time MVP, but sometimes, he shows flashes of that special Jokic-like talent. Both share a rare mix of size and passing skills, allowing them to see over defenders and attempt passes that few others would dare.
In the middle of the third quarter on Wednesday, Barnes pulled off his own version of a Jokic move. He grabbed a rebound under the basket, took two dribbles up the court, and fired a quick left-handed pass the length of the court. The result? An easy layup for Pascal Siakam under the hoop.
Scottie Barnes is not at the level of a two-time MVP, but sometimes, he displays that Jokic-like magic. They both possess a unique mix of size and passing skills, allowing them to see over defenders and attempt passes that few others dare.
In the middle of the third quarter on Wednesday, Barnes pulled off a move reminiscent of Jokic. He grabbed a rebound under the basket, took two dribbles up the court, and fired a quick left-handed pass the length of the court. The result? An easy layup for Pascal Siakam under the hoop.
Coach Malone acknowledged Barnes’ versatile impact pre-game, describing him as a player who can influence the game in numerous ways, acting as a point forward at times, leading the break, excelling in playmaking, and rebounding at a high level.
When asked about comparisons to Jokic post-game, Barnes didn’t take the bait. Jokic’s extra height and weight make him a more imposing force, using his body effectively. Barnes, on the other hand, relies on his rare speed for his size to outmaneuver defenders.
Listening to Barnes talk about Jokic’s game, the similarities are evident. Jokic draws attention, spreading the ball to shooters or making a move to the basket, showcasing otherworldly skill and passing ability.
While Barnes isn’t at Jokic’s level yet, there’s a special quality in Toronto’s young forward that needs nurturing. If Coach Malone sees it in Barnes, the Raptors should too.