Young Toronto Raptors Shine in Loss to Knicks

Toronto Raptors fans got a glimpse of the true upside of two of their core players.

Amir Johnson and Jerryd Bayless both went off for the Raptors in a Sunday afternoon loss to the Knicks.

Johnson had a monster game, with 22 points, 16 rebounds, three steals and two blocks on .714 percent shooting. The 16 rebounds are a new career high for Johnson, and his gaudy rebound numbers were powered by an amazing eight offensive rebounds. Johnson flashed some of his immense upside and has probably quieted a few of the critics who questioned his contract this summer.

Johnson is only 23 years old and has a ton of upside when he manages to stay out of foul trouble (only two fouls on the game). He should be a major factor for the Raptors going forward.

Bayless erupted for an eye-popping 23 points, seven rebounds, six assists and five threes on an impressive .500 percent shooting from the field. His six assists tied him with Jose Calderon for the team high for the day.

Bayless flashed some of his upside tonight and is sure to have started a point guard controversy a lot sooner than most expected. He had a great game for the Raptors, but it will take some consistency before a true point guard controversy emerges in Toronto.

The future shone a little brighter Sunday afternoon, thanks to Johnson and Bayless.

This article can also be found on Raptors Digest.