The Toronto Raptors took on their fourth matchup of the 2024-25 season on Monday against the Denver Nuggets. The game went back and forth, but the Nuggets outlasted the Raptors 127-125 in overtime. Moreover, before that point, Scottie Barnes and Nikola Jokic shared a physical moment.

Barnes and Jokic were battling for a rebound late in the game when Jokic caught the Raptors forward with an elbow, as seen on an X (formerly Twitter):

Barnes came down in pain but appeared to be okay. He ended the game just shy of a triple-double, amassing 21 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists. Barnes received stout help from a pack of Raptors. RJ Barrett, Jacob Poetl, Davion Mitchell, Gradey Dick, and Ochai Agbaji all scored 20, 16, 16, 15, and 15 points, respectively.

Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with a commanding 40-point-10-rebound performance. Jokic's efforts propelled the Raptors to their second straight loss, and Toronto now possesses a record of 1-3. Nevertheless, the team has what it takes to snap their cold streak and get some wins.

Article Continues Below
More Toronto Raptors News
Terrence Ross (Washington), right, is introduced as the number eight overall pick to the Toronto Raptors by NBA commissioner David Stern during the 2012 NBA Draft at the Prudential Center.
Raptors’ 10 worst NBA Draft day mistakes in historySpencer See ·
Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center.
Raptors rumors: Toronto ‘unwilling’ to include Jakob Poeltl in Kevin Durant tradeRichard Pereira ·
image thumbnail
Giannis Antetokounmpo trade grades for ESPN’s Raptors-Bucks proposalJedd Pagaduan ·
Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri looks on court side before a NBA game against the Miami Heat at Scotiabank Arena.
Raptors rumors: 2 draft targets if Toronto trades downJackson Stone ·
Malik Monk #0 in purple Toronto Raptors jersey with Scott Perry Kings to the left and Masai Ujiri Raptors to the right
Sources: Raptors maintain trade interest in Kings’ Malik MonkKris Pursiainen ·
Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković reacts during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena.
Raptors rumors: No. 9 pick ‘most likely’ among top-10 picks to be tradedBenedetto Vitale ·

In the middle of the 2023-24 season, head coach Darko Rajakovic displayed confidence in Scottie Barnes while giving a heated rant on missed foul calls. Rajakovic called Barnes a future face of the league when expressing discontent on the lack of fouls that were called when he drove into Los Angeles Lakers defenders in a January loss.

Rajakovic is not the only one who believes in Barnes' abilities though. RJ Barett gave an eye-opening admission on Barnes in early October before the 2024-25 season's start.

“He's probably the most unselfish superstar [I've probably ever seen]… It's great. It just kinda sets the tone for everybody else,” Barnes said.

The Raptors will continue to rely on Barnes and the rest of their young talent as they progress through the rest of the season. At some point, the team will break through and begin realizing their potential.