“ I think he likes the Canadian language and food, and likes it here a lot. » Such is the “theory” put forward by Darko Rajakovic to explain the performance of RJ Barrett within Scotiabank Arena, when compared to those produced away from the Raptors bases.
We won't talk about day and night, but the difference is notable: 30 points (53% including 44% from distance), 7 rebounds and 6 assists at home, compared to 19 points (40% including 30% from distance), 6 rebounds and 6.5 assists outside.
Author of a great 25-point outing in Miami a few days earlier, the Canadian took advantage of the return leg, in Toronto yesterday, to show once again to what extent he is fulfilled on his native lands.
Relying on his left hand and playing on his speed and power, the back did most of his damage in the opposing racket. Even Jimmy Butler was shaken on a possession late in the game.
Upon arrival, one of his best outings of the year with 37 points (15/20 on shots including 3/4 from distance), 7 rebounds and 5 assists. “ After being away for a week, coming back home gave us energy “, confessed after the meeting the 24-year-old, whose third home game in a row with at least 31 points.
A series of home matches
Asked about this performance gap between home and away, the Ontario native takes a tone of irony: “ Let's be realistic. I have just had two good away matches. Don't do this to me. » More seriously, he adds: “ I guess I'm trying to concentrate a little more (at home). »
This big gap is not limited to RJ Barrett alone, the entire Raptors team is affected. If the Canadian team's record at home has shifted to the positive (5v-4l), that presented away is the worst in the championship: only one victory in twelve outings.
According to RJ Barrett, the key is to bring your “ own energy » on the go. “ We have such amazing fans (in Toronto), they really support us. Every time we go for a run, we feel better. Even when we're in tough times, they're always there behind us. Outside, you face the opposing public. We have to bring our energy, which we did in New Orleans. »
Good news for him and his team, the Raptors now have six home games (Pacers, Thunder, Mavs, Knicks, Nets and Rockets).
| RJ Barrett | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2019-20 | NYK | 56 | 30 | 40.2 | 32.0 | 61.4 | 0.9 | 4.1 | 5.0 | 2.6 | 2.2 | 1.0 | 2.2 | 0.3 | 14.3 |
| 2020-21 | NYK | 72 | 35 | 44.1 | 40.1 | 74.6 | 0.9 | 4.8 | 5.8 | 3.0 | 2.6 | 0.7 | 1.9 | 0.3 | 17.6 |
| 2021-22 | NYK | 70 | 35 | 40.8 | 34.2 | 71.4 | 0.9 | 4.9 | 5.8 | 3.0 | 2.0 | 0.6 | 2.2 | 0.2 | 20.0 |
| 2022-23 | NYK | 73 | 34 | 43.4 | 31.0 | 74.0 | 0.8 | 4.2 | 5.0 | 2.8 | 2.5 | 0.4 | 2.2 | 0.2 | 19.6 |
| 2023-24 * | All Teams | 58 | 32 | 49.5 | 36.0 | 71.5 | 0.9 | 4.5 | 5.4 | 3.3 | 2.2 | 0.5 | 2.2 | 0.4 | 20.2 |
| 2023-24 * | TOR | 32 | 34 | 55.3 | 39.2 | 62.9 | 1.1 | 5.3 | 6.4 | 4.1 | 2.6 | 0.6 | 2.5 | 0.4 | 21.8 |
| 2023-24 * | NYK | 26 | 30 | 42.3 | 33.1 | 83.1 | 0.7 | 3.5 | 4.3 | 2.4 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 1.8 | 0.3 | 18.2 |
| 2024-25 | TOR | 17 | 34 | 43.9 | 34.0 | 68.2 | 1.0 | 5.3 | 6.3 | 6.3 | 2.5 | 0.9 | 3.4 | 0.2 | 22.9 |
| Total | 346 | 33 | 43.5 | 34.5 | 70.9 | 0.9 | 4.6 | 5.5 | 3.1 | 2.3 | 0.7 | 2.2 | 0.3 | 18.7 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
