It's clear that Scottie Barnes is excited about Pascal Siakam's return.
After missing 10 straight games with an adductor strain, Siakam returned in Toronto's win over Cleveland on Monday. He picked up right where he left off, finishing with 18 points on 7-for-14 shooting to go along with team-highs of 11 rebounds and five assists in 30 minutes of play.
Barnes was asked after the game about what it was like having multiple players back from injury. It didn't take long for his response to be all about Siakam.
"Great to have Pascal back out there," Barnes said. "You see him doing amazing things — being able to score the ball at a high level, being efficient, rebounding, pushing the ball. The things that he brings to the game, it's amazing to see.
"I love watching Pascal play. It's like, 'Wow, damn!' Every move he makes, the step backs, the spin moves, the double spin moves. You know it's coming, but still, bang!
"It's great to have him back out there on the floor."
"Great to have Pascal back out there, and see him doing amazing things."
— NBA (@NBA) November 29, 2022
Scottie Barnes on the return of @pskills43! pic.twitter.com/hDR0EXbIck
MORE: Finding silver linings among Raptors injury woes
Siakam was playing the best basketball of his career prior to his injury. He posted averages of 24.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 7.7 assists in Toronto's first nine games of the 2022-23 season, all of which were the highest marks of his career.
Monday's contest marked Siakam's first game in nearly a month.
"I felt like I've got to get my legs under me obviously, which is expected, not being able to play at that speed and the game is different," Siakam said following his return. "I've been working, but it's different, just game speed and all that, and being able to sustain it for a long time.
"I felt like I did OK. I've got to continue to get better. Again, once I get my legs under me, I can kind of provide a little bit more. But yeah, just good to be out there."
Led by O.G. Anunoby, the Raptors split the 10 games Siakam missed, picking up wins against the Bulls, Rockets, Pistons, Heat and Mavericks. Now close to full strength again, Toronto stands at 11-9 on the season.
