Scottie Barnes delivered one of the best performances of his young career on Tuesday night, replicating a rare statistical milestone last achieved by Vince Carter in 2004. The Toronto Raptors secured a 122-111 victory over the Indiana Pacers in their final NBA Cup Group B matchup, with Barnes putting on a show.

The four-year forward posted 35 points, nine assists, and six rebounds while shooting 13-for-20 from the field, including three made 3-pointers. According to StatsMuse, Barnes became the first Raptors player since Carter to record such numbers while shooting 60% from the floor.

Tuesday's win was a bright spot in a difficult season for the Raptors, who improved to 7-15 overall. Despite the victory, the Raptors concluded their NBA Cup group stage with a 1-3 record and a -17 point differential, failing to advance to the knockout rounds. Still, Barnes’ performance stood out as a sign of hope for the team’s future.

Scottie Barnes mirrors Vince Carter in Raptors' NBA Cup win vs. Pacers

Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) dunks the ball against the Indiana Pacers during the first half at Scotiabank Arena.
© John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
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The 23-year-old has been in exceptional form, averaging nearly a triple-double over his last five games with 26.0 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game while shooting 48.4% from the field. His season numbers are equally impressive, with averages of 22 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game on 46.6% shooting.

Barnes’ versatility and ability to impact multiple facets of the game have been a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season for Toronto. His continued development as both a scorer and playmaker has elevated his status as a franchise cornerstone.

The Raptors will look to build on this momentum as they continue their five-game homestand. Next up is a challenging matchup against the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder (16-5) on Thursday night. The Thunder's high-powered offense and strong start to the season will put Toronto’s resilience to the test.

As the Raptors navigate a rebuilding phase, Barnes' growth remains pivotal. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, as evidenced by Tuesday's performance, highlights his potential to lead Toronto back to contention in the years ahead.