Raptors' RJ Barrett joins exclusive Canadian NBA club

Barrett scored his 8,000th career point, becoming the 8th Canadian player to reach the milestone.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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RJ Barrett of the Toronto Raptors scored 31 points in a win over the Dallas Mavericks, surpassing 8,000 career points and joining an exclusive club of 7 other Canadian players to achieve the feat in the NBA. Barrett reflected on the milestone, saying it was special to reach it while playing for his hometown Raptors.

Why it matters

RJ Barrett's scoring milestone is a significant accomplishment, as he joins an elite group of Canadian NBA players who have scored 8,000 or more points in their careers. This achievement highlights the growing presence and impact of Canadian talent in the league.

The details

Barrett scored 31 points on 13-of-19 shooting, including 3-of-7 from 3-point range, to lead the Raptors to a 122-92 victory over the Mavericks. He reached the 8,000-point mark in the game, becoming the 8th Canadian player to do so, joining the likes of Steve Nash, Andrew Wiggins, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

  • RJ Barrett entered the game needing 13 points to reach 8,000 career points.
  • Barrett achieved the milestone in the Raptors' win over the Mavericks on March 9, 2026.

The players

RJ Barrett

A 24-year-old Canadian small forward in his 7th NBA season, currently playing for the Toronto Raptors.

Steve Nash

A Canadian former NBA player who is one of the 7 other Canadians to score 8,000 or more points in their NBA careers.

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What they’re saying

“One, I've always loved the Raptors. I've always been a big fan. Doing it at home means the world to me.”

— RJ Barrett (Sportsnet)

What’s next

The Raptors will look to build on their win over the Mavericks when they face the Houston Rockets on March 10.

The takeaway

RJ Barrett's scoring milestone is a testament to the growing influence of Canadian players in the NBA, and his achievement while playing for his hometown Raptors makes it all the more meaningful.