Jakob Poeltl had 21 points and 14 rebounds, Scottie Barnes had 21 points and 11 boards, and the Toronto Raptors beat the New Orleans Pelicans 113-104 on Monday night for their first four-game winning streak in almost two years.

In some ways, comparing Scottie Barnes and Zion Williamson is like a basketball philosophy test. As the two squared off Monday, Barnes showed why the Raptors feel their star is only getting better.

The Raptors spent many years certain of victory night in and night out. For the first time in years, that certainty returned.

I feel like I’m a great defender. I feel like it doesn’t really get talked about enough but I feel like I’m a great defender. I guard whoever, can play one through

Before this recent six-in-seven run of wins, and during a period when an injured Barnes missed 35 of 88 games, Toronto's record was 4-31.

The Rajakovic rant became one of, if not, the defining moment of a completely lost season, which happened to be his rookie year as head coach. It came following a tough loss to the host L.A. Lakers on a night when the whistle was decidedly purple and gold in the decisive fourth quarter.

Scottie Barnes is leading by example. The 23-year-old is playing some of his best two-way basketball of the season and it has resulted in the Toronto Raptors’ turning their fortunes around.

Memphis Grizzlies forward-center Jaren Jackson Jr. and Toronto Raptors guard-forward Scottie Barnes have been named the NBA Western and Eastern Conference Players of the Week,

The Eastern Conference player of the week averaged 22 points, 9.7 rebounds and six assists in three victories.

The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching, and the New Orleans Pelicans are among those expected to be active during this time. New Orleans sits at 12-35 on th

NBA.com Staff • Get NBA League Pass TODAY Memphis Grizzlies forward-center Jaren Jackson Jr. and Toronto Raptors guard-forward Scottie Barnes have been named the NBA Players of the Week for ...