March 3, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (9) blocks a shot attempt by New York Knicks forward Josh Hart (3) during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Image Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett has been sidelined for a significant portion of the season, first missing in late November and early December due to a nagging knee injury, and then again in January.
But after scoring a season-high 31 points in the Raptors’ 122-92 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday, Barrett admitted he felt like his body was finally getting back to normal. For the Raptors, who begin a short two-game road trip Tuesday against the Houston Rockets, having a fully healthy Barrett in their rotation would do wonders for their playoff positioning.
Barrett’s offensive breakthrough has been encouraging, but his defensive impact could be even more significant for Toronto. He admitted it was difficult to have a knee injury limiting his mobility, but now playing pain-free is having positive results.
“I was able to move better and try to be as consistent as possible,” Barrett said. “It helps me defend and be active in the game when I’m stuck on defense.”
Toronto coach Darko Rajakovic emphasized the defensive impact a healthy Barrett could have on the Raptors. Barrett provides a mix of scoring and playmaking offensively. Still, his size and athleticism can anchor the Raptors’ defense on the wing, an important role for a team with several different players who can cut down opposing offenses to the rim.
“Obviously his offense is helping the team, but what he’s been doing really well lately is playing good defense,” Rajakovic said. “And it always starts with him and it starts with us, and he’s got to do a good job there.
“I really believe that when he plays with a lot of intention and effort on the defensive side, it helps his offense as well. I think he has a lot more strength, energy and focus.”
The Rockets’ defense and focus were lacking in Sunday’s 145-120 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Houston allowed San Antonio to shoot a strong 58.0 percent from the floor, a season-high for the Spurs, including 21 of 40 from beyond the arc. For a fraction of their season-high points allowed, the Rockets gave up a season-worst 56 points in the paint.
Houston committed a relatively low 12 turnovers, but the Rockets gave up 25 points off those mistakes. Rockets All-Star center Alperen Sengun has committed five turnovers and averaged a whopping six turnovers in four games this month.
Sengun currently has a 12-game streak with multiple turnovers, nine of which have resulted in at least three turnovers.
“We have to be careful, especially for our two main handlers,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said of Sengun and forward Kevin Durant. “A lot of these teams these days understand Alfie (Sengun) and the threat he is in the pocket, they will come in, look at the skip pass, look at the third defender.
“(Turnovers) is definitely something that has hindered us at times this year.”
Houston won 139-121 in their previous meeting on Oct. 29 in Toronto. Durant scored 31 points to give the Raptors a 1-4 start to the season.
–Field level media
