The Toronto Raptors are well into the first round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs. Along with being in his first playoff series, Scottie Barnes was just awarded the NBA's Rookie of the Year Award.
Shams Charania tweeted the news less than an hour before the Raptors' Game 4 tip-off against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Barnes had a lot of steep competition, but ultimately came out on top. He was neck-and-neck with Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons and Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers. All three finalists played in the 2022 NBA Rising Stars Tournament.
Barnes received 48 first-place votes with 378 total points. He beat Mobley by nine points, the smallest margin between first and second place in the contest in recent history.
NBA Communications posted the final voting outcome Saturday afternoon.
Saturday is shaping up to be a great day for the rookie. He just won one of the greatest honors a young NBA star could win. And now, he's set to play in Game 4, his first game since suffering an injury in Game 1.
As of Friday afternoon, Barnes was considered “doubtful” for the Game 4 matchup. He spent a week nursing the ankle sprain he suffered in Game 1 when Joel Embiid accidentally stepped on his foot.
The 20-year-old is one of the greatest contributors for the Raptors, making his Game 4 availability a huge boost to the Toronto team. He'll attempt to keep the Raptors' playoff hopes alive by leading his team to a win Saturday afternoon.