Durant backs Raptors' Barnes: 'He's only going to get better'

Brooklyn Nets superstar Kevin Durant offered words of encouragement for Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes as the 2022 Rookie of the Year battles a slow start to his sophomore season.

"I think he's only going to get better as time goes on," Durant said Friday after the Nets' 119-116 victory over the Raptors, according to the Toronto Star. "I know a lot of people are expecting a lot out of him, but he's still a young player, still growing every day."

He added: "You got a good one up here in Toronto."

Durant finished the game with 28 points, four rebounds, and three assists in 37 minutes. Barnes recorded 26 points on 8-of-18 shooting and made a season-high 10 free throws. The 21-year-old added three assists, three rebounds, and a steal in 40 minutes.

The Florida State product is posting numbers similar to those he enjoyed in his rookie campaign, averaging 14.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 33.8 minutes per game. The big difference is Barnes' shooting: He's making 45.3% of his shots from the field compared to 49.2% last season.

The Raptors have stumbled out of the gates to begin the season, amassing a 13-16 record to sit 10th in the Eastern Conference. Toronto has lost four straight heading into Sunday's game against the Golden State Warriors.