With the conference finals almost fully set around the NBA, one thing has become very clear: the Toronto Raptors quietly had three of the biggest individual playoff risers this postseason.
Despite falling short against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto saw major playoff jumps from Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Collin Murray-Boyles. All three elevated their impact significantly compared to their regular-season production, which is one of the biggest reasons the Raptors pushed Cleveland much harder than most expected.
That matters for Toronto moving forward. Playoff risers are how young teams become contenders.
Raptors Playoff Risers: Barnes, Barrett and CMB Elevated Their Games
Scottie Barnes Took Another Step
The biggest jump came from Barnes.
During the regular season, Barnes averaged 18.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists while continuing to establish himself as Toronto’s franchise player. Against Cleveland, however, his overall impact looked even bigger.
Barnes elevated his scoring efficiency, controlled possessions more consistently, and handled significantly more offensive responsibility throughout the series. He averaged 24.1 points per game against the Cavaliers while also anchoring Toronto defensively in multiple matchups.
More importantly, the game slowed down for him.
Barnes consistently manipulated double teams better, created easier looks for teammates, and remained aggressive offensively even late in games. The Raptors needed him to operate as a true primary option during the series, and for long stretches, he looked capable of doing exactly that.
That development changes Toronto’s long-term outlook considerably.
RJ Barrett Continued His Breakout
Barrett may have had the most important offensive jump on the roster.
He had a strong finish to the regular season — ending with 19.3 points per game — but his playoff production reached another level. Against Cleveland, Barrett became Toronto’s clear secondary scorer behind Barnes and consistently attacked mismatches aggressively. Throughout the seven-game series, he boasted 24.1 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists on 47.7% shooting from the field and 38.6% from deep.
Barrett increased both his scoring aggression and efficiency while handling far more physical defensive attention. He consistently pressured the rim, attacked transition opportunities, and delivered several huge late-game performances throughout the series.
Even with occasional free-throw inconsistency, his overall playoff performance was one of the strongest stretches of basketball he has played in years. That matters because Toronto desperately needed another reliable scorer next to Barnes. Barrett showed he can be that player.
Collin Murray-Boyles Quietly Became Essential
The most surprising playoff riser may have been Murray-Boyles.
Throughout the regular season, Murray-Boyles flashed defensive versatility, energy and developmental upside. Against Cleveland, though, his physicality and versatility became incredibly important for Toronto’s rotation.
His playoff numbers increased across multiple categories, especially defensively. The rookie averaged 14.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.1 blocks. Murray-Boyles consistently impacted possessions through rebounding, switching, interior defense and hustle plays that rarely show up in the box score.
Toronto also trusted him with difficult defensive assignments throughout the series, which says a lot for such a young player. The Raptors looked noticeably more athletic and disruptive whenever he was on the floor.
That development could become extremely important moving forward, especially as Toronto continues evaluating long-term frontcourt changes this offseason.
Toronto’s Young Core May Be Ahead of Schedule
The Raptors’ playoff loss understandably received most of the attention. But the larger takeaway may actually be how much Toronto’s core improved under the pressure.
Barnes looked like a franchise centerpiece. Barrett proved he can handle secondary star-level responsibility in a playoff environment. And Murray-Boyles emerged as one of Toronto’s most impactful young defensive players.
That is not normal development for a young roster facing one of the Eastern Conference’s top teams.
The Raptors already exceeded expectations this season largely because of their younger players, and this playoff series may have accelerated that confidence around the organization.
Why This Matters for Toronto’s Future
Young teams become dangerous when their best players improve under playoff pressure instead of shrinking from it. That is exactly what happened for Toronto.
The Raptors still clearly have roster questions moving forward, especially involving center depth, rebounding, and long-term roster balance. However, the postseason gave the organization legitimate proof that its core pieces can elevate when the games matter most.
That changes offseason conversations significantly. Toronto no longer needs to wonder whether Barnes and Barrett can produce in meaningful playoff games. Now, the focus becomes building the right roster around them.
The Last Word
The Raptors may no longer be playing, but their playoff performances should still stand out compared to many teams around the league.
Barnes, Barrett, and CMB all raised their games significantly against Cleveland, and that growth may end up being one of the most important developments of Toronto’s entire season.
For a young team still shaping its long-term identity, having three major playoff risers is a very good problem to have.
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