Scottie Barnes has been playing the best defense of his career. The 23-year-old has helped the Toronto Raptors turn their season around as the team has won 5 games in a row and 7 of their last 8.

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.

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

Scottie Barnes has always been able to do special things on the defensive end of the basketball court. Before he was zipping no-look passes across the floor, mastering the mid-range or posting triple-doubles,

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.

Barnes put up 24 points (8-17 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 7-7 FT), 12 boards, seven assists, two steals and two blocks across 32 minutes in the 117-94 win over the Hawks on Saturday.

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

Amen Thompson looks like a clear star in the making, despite a shaky jumper. Here's how he might reach his ceiling anyway.

The Toronto Raptors could land a buy-low star from the New Orleans Pelicans and start preparing their competitive core for the future.

Toronto hosts Chicago looking to prolong its five-game win streak. The teams match up Friday for the first time this season.