In some ways, comparing Scottie Barnes and Zion Williamson is like a basketball philosophy test. As the two squared off Monday, Barnes showed why the Raptors feel their star is only getting better.

Jakob Poeltl had 21 points and 14 rebounds, Scottie Barnes had 21 points and 11 boards, and the Toronto Raptors beat the New Orleans Pelicans 113-104 on Monday night for their first four-game winning streak in almost two years.

In the game within the game, Scottie Barnes and Zion Williamson would often get matched up against each other Monday night as the host Raptors were looking to keep the good times rolling. The mano a mano matchup was both compelling and competitive.

Before this recent six-in-seven run of wins, and during a period when an injured Barnes missed 35 of 88 games, Toronto's record was 4-31.

New Orleans arrives without Dejounte Murray and Herb Jones, and that leaves the visitors vulnerable on the perimeter. They gave up 123 points to the Hornets at the weekend, on the heels of getting torched for 139 points by the Grizzlies on Friday — so Barnes should have ample chances to flash his playmaking skills.

TORONTO (AP) — Jakob Poeltl had 21 points and 14 rebounds, Scottie Barnes had 21 points ... included a home victory over the Pelicans. Zion Williamson scored 31 points and CJ McCollum had ...