The Nuggets have every reason to be frustrated after starting their season with back-to-back losses, but it was Raptors star Scottie Barnes who almost let his emotions out as Toronto tried to hold off Denver on Monday night.

Barnes got into an argument with Aaron Gordon after he tried to get in Russell Westbrook’s face, ending up in the middle of a fight that ultimately involved everyone on the court.

The Raptors led by five points when Barnes entered the game with the Nuggets veterans and nearly gave Denver a 3-0 lead in what would have been a significant upset. Denver forced overtime after a last-second layup by Canadian guard Jamal Murray and prevailed 127-125.

JAMAL MURRAY SEND IT IN OVERTIME.

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— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 29, 2024

Here’s a look at the bad blood between the Raptors and Nuggets from Monday’s game.

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Raptors Nuggets fight video

Barnes, annoyed by a hard foul from Westbrook, quickly got up from the baseline and countered with the former MVP.

Gordon intervened and tackled Barnes, with the two attempting some pushing and shoving before assistant coaches quickly put an end to the incident. An official stepped between Barnes and Gordon and Barnes was pulled from the scrum by the Raptors coaches.

Scottie Barnes, Russell Westbrook and Aaron Gordon exchange words. 👀

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— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 29, 2024

Interestingly, Barnes’ teammates finally intervened to separate him from Westbrook on Monday, but were not as quick to defend him as Gordon Westbrook. Barnes seemed to be on his own with Westbrook’s foul, but he wouldn’t let it happen.

It was just the start of a physical night for Barnes, as he later took an accidental elbow to the face from Nikola Jokic and had to leave the game. However, on the court, Barnes did everything he could. He finished the game with 21 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists and five steals, keeping the Raptors on par with the Nuggets.

With the Raptors, Barnes has established himself as a franchise leader since the start of last season, but victory still eludes Toronto as Masai Ujiri and the front office look to build on the Florida State product.