Scottie Barnes isn't OG Anunoby on defence, but the Raptors want him to try

putting up at least 113 points in all six games of a just completed road trip. the result of regression on defence. A drop on the defensive end was to be expected after they , to the New York Knicks on Dec. 30. While the deal has had a positive impact on the offence with the arrival of and , their inability to make timely stops and prevent opponents from scoring at will has been glaring.

Now they'll be tested at home in a three game stretch that starts Monday night against the Boston Celtics, first in the Eastern Conference standings and among the NBA's elite at both ends of the court. Many of the defensive assignments that used to go to Anunoby who says he welcomes the challenge.

“When I came into the league, I always said I was a great defender, and every night now I’m guarding the best players on other teams," the 22 year old Barnes, in his third NBA season, said after Sunday's practice. “So, being able to take that challenge and bring that mindset every game, it’s a different mindset that I have to approach the game with.” On the road, Barnes guarded superstars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George of the Los Angeles Clippers, LeBron James and Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry.

He held his own, the win loss record notwithstanding, while at the same time continuing to shoulder a heavy load on offence. “I like taking on that challenge," said Barnes. “You’ve got to be locked in from the start, but it’s still a team game; my teammates will help me as well. But being able to take that challenge every single day and trying to bring it at both ends, I think, is a mental challenge that you have to bring to the game.” In 39 games this season, Barnes is averaging 20.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.5 blocks.

As a whole, the 15 24 Raptors have allowed 117.6 points per game, among the bottom 10 in the NBA in that category. Coach Darko Rajakovic said a big part of the defensive slippage is whose left ankle sprain is expected to be re evaluated within two weeks. “He’s very important for our defence,” said Rajakovic, adding that one metric ranks Poeltl as the fifth best NBA big when it comes to pick and roll and paint protection.

“That’s a big hit for us not having him in those games.” The coach said their defence was solid at times on the road trip, against the Clippers and in the early minutes of Friday night's game in Utah, before the Raptors imploded and lost 145 113 — the most points they have conceded this season.

“I see a lot of intention, a lot of attention to detail, and I think this group is committed to continue improving on that side of the floor,” said Rajakovic, pointing to Barnes in particular. “For us right now, he’s becoming a priority there as we put him on the best players, and he loves that.

He loves being that guy that’s going to be disruptive … I think it’s very, very healthy for his development and as a competitor.”.