After playing brilliantly against Nikola Jokic and co. Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes attracted the attention of Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone.
These days, it's difficult to win over Michael Malone.
The head coach of the Denver Nuggets was unable to even think of a response.
when a reporter questioned him about the play that stood out as the most noteworthy from Nikola Jokic's 113-104 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday.
Malone said nothing jumps out. I can't think of any that was particularly striking.
This came following a play in which Jokic hit Michael Porter Jr. with a pass that bounced off the backboard and found Aaron Gordon, who then found Porter Jr. for a corner three.
Still, Malone found one player particularly noteworthy.
After the game, Malone said to reporters, "Scottie Barnes is a hell of a player." He was merely lowering his head.
putting a great deal of pressure on our defense to make, miss, and turnover in transition.
Although Barnes is far from being a two-time MVP, there are times when he has the same exceptional quality as Jokic.
The two can look above the defense and make passes that few other players in the league would even try because of their unique mix of size and passing talent.
For instance, Wednesday amid the third quarter saw Barnes give his best Jokic impression.
gathering a rebound near the hoop and dribbling twice up the court
and firing a left-handed dart the length of the court to find Pascal Siakam under the hoop or an easy layup.