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Scottie Barnes · Upon his late-November return from injury, Scottie Barnes — equipped with a noticeably-new goggle accessory covering his eyes — made mention of a new challenge in adjusting to the speed and timing of when the basketball is headed his way. As he directed traffic from his patented do-it-all point forward role on November 29, 2024, the Toronto Raptors star left one thing unquestionably clear: his ability to deliver pinpoint dimes certainly wouldn’t be affected. Ironic in visualizing a scoring opportunity before it had ever materialized, Barnes, after shooing a teammate towards the floor’s opposite side, slices through the Miami Heat’s 2-3 zone with a one-handed laser to a cutting teammate, collecting a memorable assist. Even in defeat, Barnes’ ability to see over, around, and through the opposition was among the night’s standout stories. Capturing triple-double No. 6 of his burgeoning career, the All-Star forward’s final tally included 24 points (on 8-of-15 shooting), 10 rebounds, 10 assists, one steal, one block, and three 3-pointers. · State of Mint