Andrea Bargnani of Toronto Raptors Erupts, Sets New Career High with 41 Points

Andrea Bargnani erupted against the New York Knicks for a career-high 41 points on a tremendous 67 percent shooting.

This achievement should not be taken lightly as shooting .670 on 24 shots and still managing 41 points is an amazing line.

Andrea Bargnani had a terrific night also hauling in seven rebounds and dishing out six assists.

Andrea Bargnani stuffed a sock in the mouths of his critics and naysayers for at least one night, and being one of them, I have to admit that I am pleasantly surprised with both his scoring outburst as well as his team-high six assists.

This is the Andrea Bargnani that Raptor fans can only dream of.

It's true, he may be criticized more for being a No. 1 overall pick rather than for a lack of skill, scoring prowess and potential, but tonight he sure played like one.

Andrea Bargnani is only 25 years old and still has a full season or two before he reaches his true potential.

He is a No. 1 overall pick, but remember that the 2007 draft was coincided with David Stern and the NBA imposing an age limit and thus robbing the player pool of Kevin Durant and Greg Oden.

So maybe we should all be a little easier on Bargnani, adjust our lofty expectations and enjoy watching him grow in Raptors red.

This article can also be found on Raptors Digest.