Ottawa Daily Sports Digest — Dec 28, 2025

Scottie Barnes’ historic night and Raptors’ mindset

• Scottie Barnes recorded his first triple-double of the season in Toronto’s 141-127 overtime win vs. Golden State: 23 points, a franchise‑high 25 rebounds and 10 assists.
• His tip-in with 24.8 seconds left in the fourth tied the game 122-122 and forced OT. Barnes emphasized team goals, saying he’s focused on the Raptors’ win‑loss record (Toronto 19-14).

Game breakdown: big contributions and final score

• Final: Toronto 141, Golden State 127 (OT). Toronto opened OT on a 14-2 run.
• Key stats: Immanuel Quickley 27 points, 7 assists; Brandon Ingram 26 points, 6 assists; Stephen Curry game-high 39 points.
• RJ Barrett returned with 12 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists in 24 minutes after a five‑week absence.

RJ Barrett’s return from injury

• Barrett (Mississauga, Ont.) missed five weeks with a sprained right knee; he was eased back in with a minutes restriction.
• Before the injury he averaged 19.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game.

Tribute to Dejan Milojević

• After the Raptors–Warriors game coaches commemorated Dejan Milojević, who died Jan 2024 at age 46 (heart attack).
• Toronto coach Darko Rajaković followed a tradition of sharing rakija; both staffs raised a glass in Milojević’s honour.

Senators goalie Linus Ullmark takes personal leave

• Ottawa announced Ullmark (32) is on leave for personal reasons; team offered full support and will not comment further.
• Ullmark was acquired from Boston in June 2024 and signed a four‑year, US$33‑million extension in Oct 2024. Backup Leevi Meriläinen has a .874 save pct and 3.43 GAA in 10 appearances.

Maple Leafs injury watch: William Nylander

• Nylander left early in the second period of Toronto’s 7-5 win vs. Ottawa with lower‑body discomfort; he’s travelling to Detroit but his game status is uncertain.
• Coach Craig Berube called the trip a “good sign”; captain Auston Matthews noted Nylander is an important player while the team monitors his condition.