Raptors Nation doesn't always get the chance to enjoy their team being featured on a nationally televised stage. But on January 30, that’s exactly what they got when the Raptors faced the Orlando Magic live on ESPN in the United States. Of course, on this side of the border, Raptors fans can always take delight in watching the squad do their thing either on TSN or Sportsnet, with cult favorites Matt Devlin, Jack Armstrong, and Alvin Williams on the call.
For our American friends, the Raptors rarely get much mainstream coverage, so opportunities like this are a rare treat for the players — especially for a guy like Scottie Barnes. The game started off strong for Toronto, but the Magic exploded in the second half, capped off by a 44-point fourth quarter, ultimately toppling the Raptors with a final score of 130-120.
It hurt to see Toronto let another winnable game slip through their fingertips, especially with high stakes on ESPN and against a tough East rival. But Scottie Barnes had little to be ashamed of — he used the game to deliver another defensive masterclass, which should only solidify his place among the frontrunners for Defensive Player of the Year.
Scottie Barnes' superb defense on full display against Magic on national TV
Barnes would rack up four blocks against the Magic, on Wendell Carter Jr., Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, and Mo Wagner, respectively. You could bet Barnes would keep up his pesky defense against any opposing player, and that was definitely true in the Magic game as well.
The ESPN broadcast even gave Barnes his fair shine, acknowledging that he should rightfully be in those DPOY conversations. It’s not about vanity searching or only hearing what you want to hear, but you have to give credit where it’s due — Scottie Barnes has been working hard to prove he's the heart and soul of this Raptors defense.
In fact, Barnes made a recent appearance on NBA Today to address the DPOY situation, where he said:
"I feel like I don't really get the recognition that I deserve yet. I'm gonna keep winning games, I'm gonna keep being me. Doing what I do out there on the floor. And I feel like nothing's really changed with the way I'm playing, defensively out there on the floor. But you know, it really comes more to like, when we start winning games — which we're doing now. Every time I step out there on the floor, I'm just trying to have an impact out there on the floor, trying to win games, trying to get stops. That's where I key in every single game, and that's where I excel as a player. "
Scottie Barnes, Jan 30, 2026
It doesn't seem like Barnes has any intentions of keeping his foot off the gas, and he just wants to be impactful in every facet that he can for this Raptors team. His tough defense is just one part of that, but it’s a really impressive one. Hopefully, Scottie Barnes keeps up this pace and stays in the running for DPOY.