Raptors 108 - 115 Knicks, NBA: Rajakovic Not Questioning Hosts' Injury Luck Despite Barnes Blow

Barnes withdrew from the action midway through the third quarter after he landed on Knicks centre Karl-Anthony Towns while battling for a defensive rebound. 

The 2022 NBA Rookie of the Year had to be helped off the court, having scored 15 points, five rebounds and three assists in 23 minutes before exiting the game. 

Barnes missed 11 games earlier this season because of a right orbital fracture and has worn protective glasses since returning, with Toronto going 2-9 without him.

It was another blow for what is perceived as the Raptors’ core for the future, with Barnes, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley not playing a minute together for the last 57 games. 

“We’ll see how he feels (Tuesday) morning and go from there,” Rajakovic said on Barnes' injury after the game. 

"I never ask that question myself. When injuries happen, those types of injuries are out of my control.

"I'm not questioning anything there. We're going to go through it. We're going to walk the walk."

Barrett scored 30 points to lead the Raptors against his former team, but could not stop his side from falling to a third straight defeat.?

Barnes came into Monday’s game averaging career highs of 21 points, 8.7 rebounds and 7.8 assists, and Barrett said it was difficult once his team-mate had left?the game.

"It was a tough blow. We were playing so well, especially with Scottie on the floor," said Barrett.?"I think at the end of the day, it was a close game at the end.

"We had a chance there. It was a hard-fought game. Those are the ones you wish you get to win. But I think we played pretty well overall.”