You can be sure that December 9 was circled on these players' calendars.
In the NBA's only game scheduled for that night, the Toronto Raptors welcomed the New York Knicks to Scotiabank Arena, where a couple of familiar faces would reunite with their former teams.
The matchup proved to be highly competitive, with the middling Raptors emerging as a formidable opponent for their higher-seeded Eastern Conference rival. Ultimately, the game would come down to the wire, featuring a couple of questionable referee calls that sparked discussion among the Raptors fanbase.
What truly sealed the deal was a clutch three-point shot from a fired-up Karl-Anthony Towns, which put New York in a strong position for their 113-108 victory.
If you examine the box score, you'll observe that all the players from this Knicks-Raptors matchup who were part of last December's blockbuster trade performed well, possibly motivated by a desire to prove themselves.
Starting off, it's a pretty fair bet to assume that RJ Barrett wanted to make a big impact for his new Raptors squad as he faced off against his former Knicks team. Barrett faced significant criticism during his time with the New York Knicks, frequently unfairly labeled as a 'toxic asset".
Barrett looked like a star against the Knicks
Now, with his hometown Toronto Raptors, he is showcasing strong leadership and tenacity on his best nights. Despite being a primary star for the Raptors, Barrett still does not receive fair acknowledgment within the NBA community till this day.
After his co-star Scottie Barnes would go down with an unfortunate injury, Barrett took it upon himself to lead the Raptors' crusade, delivering a dominant performance with 30 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.
Unfortunately for Barrett, his efforts were not sufficient to overcome a strong Knicks squad, especially given that former Raptors players OG Anunoby and Precious Achiuwa also had impressive performances that night.
Anunoby and Achiuwa beat the breaks off their former team
Everyone is now aware of Anunoby's defining trait; he has made a name for himself in the NBA as one of the top perimeter defenders.
Anunoby showcased the same strong defensive prowess that he demonstrated with the Toronto Raptors, this time returning the favor as a member of the Knicks, racking up three blocks and two steals. His 14 points, along with four rebounds and three assists, greatly contributed to New York's rally for victory.
It's not so much that Toronto wanted Anunoby out of the picture; rather, there was a strong argument to be made that he had reached his ceiling with the Raptors, making it more sensible for him to contribute to a contending squad. He is certainly in an excellent environment with the New York Knicks, where Anunoby seems to be thriving in his role and playing a vital part in their chemistry.
And then there's Precious Achiuwa.
His story is somewhat more complex, as one could convincingly argue that Achiuwa deserved additional time to demonstrate his abilities with the Toronto Raptors.
Achiuwa was the sole young asset included in the Kyle Lowry sign-and-trade deal with the Miami Heat in 2021; however, he never truly emerged as a cornerstone for the Raptors' rebuilding efforts. The challenge with Achiuwa is that considerable pressure surrounded his development and perceived potential to evolve beyond a second-string big man role.
However, it appears that this may indeed be Achiuwa's most suitable position in the NBA, as he effectively assists the New York Knicks in that capacity. In just 16 minutes of play, Achiuwa recorded seven points, six rebounds, and two blocks against his former Raptors squad.
The Raptors' decision regarding Achiuwa was certainly not personal; he was afforded a fair opportunity during the three seasons he spent in Toronto. A change of scenery proved beneficial for Achiuwa's career, allowing him to establish a consistent role in New York.
While it’s unlikely that any of Barrett, Anunoby, or Achiuwa entered the game seeking revenge, delivering strong performances against their former teams always offers a significant morale boost.
It ignites a drive within you to prove them wrong for letting you go, even if the team's actions weren't motivated by any malicious intent.