Phoenix Suns big man Deandre Ayton was not happy with Scottie Barnes.
Barnes, the NBA’s reigning Rookie of the Year, fouled the former No. 1 pick on a field goal attempt near the basket during the third quarter of Toronto’s game against Phoenix on Monday evening.
Ayton, who was blocked by the Toronto forward early in the first quarter of the match, took exception to the physicality and got in Barnes’ face. Under normal circumstances, tempers likely would have flared and the two parties may have needed separation.
Barnes, however, looked like he was the least scared person on the planet:
After the game, Ayton was asked about the altercation and said he loved it.
The big man said that Barnes “poked the bear” and wished that would happen to him during every game that he plays.
"I don't know. I love it. You turn me up. You poke the bear. I wish it would get poked every game.."
A smiling Deandre Ayton on him and #Raptors Scottie Barnes having words in 2nd half.
Ayton also took out frustrations on a chair.
"Hoping next game it can forgive me." #Suns pic.twitter.com/RKKpmYsvIJ
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) January 31, 2023
Barnes, who played an exceptional game on the defensive side of the floor, walked away from this scuffle looking entirely unafraid of the smoke.
His reaction immediately turned into a meme once fans saw what happened:
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Scottie Barnes is totally unfazed by Deandre Ayton lol pic.twitter.com/qxZIdmrJ5H
— Amit Mann (@Amit_Mann) January 31, 2023
never trade scottie barnes pic.twitter.com/JnepGdwudE
— Faizal Khamisa (@SNFaizalKhamisa) January 31, 2023
Scottie Barnes is too funny man I love this guy😂😂 pic.twitter.com/59d1HK50wU
— ً (@RaptorsTalk19) January 31, 2023
Scottie Barnes scoring by month this szn:
•Nov: 13.0 PPG on 44.3% true shooting
•Dec: 15.3 PPG on 52.5% true shooting
•Jan: 18.1 PPG on 58.3% true shooting pic.twitter.com/WVN438s2Va
— The Lead (@TheLeadSM) January 31, 2023
Scottie Barnes is that dude 😤 pic.twitter.com/MTkFnRZJkh
— Jesse Drama (@reeljessedrama) January 31, 2023
You gotta love Scottie Barnes! pic.twitter.com/ePY7u8oaMX
— JayOnSC (@JayOnSC) January 31, 2023
Scottie Barnes does not think Ayton is him pic.twitter.com/Nw8N1mhFdd
— Ted Buddwell 🏀🏈 (@TedBuddy8) January 31, 2023
There's no way Scottie Barnes is backing down to Deandre Ayton, or anyone else for that matter 😤 pic.twitter.com/q0lWKlfOaG
— Raptors Nation (@RaptorsNationCP) January 31, 2023
Serious Kobe vibes here Scottie Barnes. #ScottieBarnes #Suns #Ayton #Raptors #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/gcbN5gcYFU
— Pensare Basketball (@PensareBBall) January 31, 2023
