Scottie Barnes showed what Raptors can lean on without Kawhi, and what it still lacks

Scottie Barnes scored a career-high 41 points, but the Toronto Raptors fell short in an NBA Cup matchup against the Orlando Magic. Orlando secured the victory behind 28 points from Desmond Bane and 26 points from Franz Wagner, finishing the game on a decisive 13-4 closing run.

Writer Amos Caesar Mina argues that Toronto cannot rely solely on Barnes while Kawhi Leonard remains sidelined. Mina contends that supporting players like RJ Barrett and the bench must step up, pointing out that Orlando's 52.9% shooting from three-point range thoroughly exposed Toronto's perimeter shortcomings.