Wed Dec 03 04:20:00 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Scottie Barnes Named Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Month
Toronto, ON – Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes has been named the Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Month for October and November, marking the first time a Raptor has received the honor since its inception last season.
Barnes has been a defensive force for the Raptors, anchoring a unit that currently boasts the third-best defensive rating in the Eastern Conference at 111.5. He is the only player in the NBA to have recorded at least 30 steals and 30 blocks this season. Furthermore, Barnes averages four deflections per game, placing him fourth in the East and ninth overall in the NBA.
The former Rookie of the Year’s defensive prowess has been pivotal to the Raptors’ success, most notably sealing a victory against the Charlotte Hornets with a clutch block at the buzzer on November 17th.
Beyond his defensive contributions, Barnes is also having a stellar offensive season, averaging 19.9 points, eight rebounds, and five assists through 21 games.
In the Western Conference, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace was named the Defensive Player of the Month.
First Piper 