Scottie Barnes erupted for 15 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter, carrying the Toronto Raptors back from a 13-point deficit to defeat the struggling Los Angeles Clippers 125-118 on Monday night at the Intuit Dome, sportsnet.ca reported.
Down by a margin entering the final frame, Toronto pulled ahead for the first time when Barnes sank a turnaround jump shot with 2:08 left on the clock, capping off a decisive 12-1 push. Immanuel Quickley added 27 points and RJ Barrett scored 26 for the Raptors, while Barnes finished with a triple-output line including 15 rebounds and eight assists.
Fourth-Quarter Comeback and Roster Context
The victory handed the skidding Clippers their sixth straight defeat since winning their season opener on Oct. 21 against Sacramento. Kobe Sanders led Los Angeles with a career-high 26 points.
Both squads were playing the second half of consecutive games. Sunday’s action saw Los Angeles drop a 124-112 decision at Golden State, whereas Toronto suffered a 131-125 defeat against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Absent Stars and Former Connections
Excitement for the matchup was somewhat diminished because Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard could not play due to a left knee injury, pushing back his anticipated trip back to Southern California after his previous seven years with the Clippers. Gradey Dick made his first start for the Clippers against the organization that drafted him in 2023, recording 12 points, four rebounds and three assists in 29 minutes.
Scottie Barnes has been added to the Raptors’ injury report – he’s questionable vs Clippers with left hip tightness. https://t.co/WoAwDDy32P
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue managed to coach the game despite sickness keeping him away from his scheduled pregame media availability.
Upcoming Schedule
Looking ahead to the remainder of their respective schedules, what adjustments will the Raptors make when they visit Denver on Wednesday night, and how will the Clippers respond when they host Miami on the same evening?
