Last night the Toronto Raptors suffered a 115 to 102 loss at home to the Philadelphia 76ers in Toronto. After a dramatic overtime win over the same opponent the night before, the Raptors couldn’t find enough offensive flow or defensive stops to keep up with a hot 76ers team on this night.
Even though it was a loss on the scoreboard, the crowd shared one of those emotional basketball moments you remember. Kyle Lowry (long beloved in Toronto for leading the Raptors to their first NBA title) was welcomed back by Raptors fans late in the fourth quarter. The fans chanted his name, gave him a standing ovation, and celebrated one of the greatest Raptors of all time even though he was playing for the opponent now.
Let’s break down what happened and why this night meant more than just a loss.
How the Game Played Out
Philadelphia dominated early, jumping out to a large first-half lead behind aggressive scoring and efficient offence. The 76ers hit shots early and often, and by halftime Toronto was chasing the game. The Raptors made a run in the third and fourth quarters, but the 76ers’ hot start proved too much to erase.
Tyrese Maxey was unstoppable, especially in the opening quarters, and Joel Embiid provided inside strength that kept the Raptors off balance. On the Raptors’ side Immanuel Quickley and Brandon Ingram tried to keep momentum alive, but the deficit was too steep.
Main Performances and Highlights
For the 76ers:
• Tyrese Maxey led all scorers with 33 points, including six three-pointers that kept Philadelphia in control early and often.
• Joel Embiid added 27 points and eight rebounds, dominating in the paint and setting the tone inside.
• Paul George chipped in 15 points and six assists, giving Philly another reliable scoring option.
• VJ Edgecombe had 15 points and was efficient from deep, helping stretch the floor.
For The Raptors:
• Immanuel Quickley led Toronto with 18 points and six rebounds while handling much of the offensive creation.
• Brandon Ingram produced a strong all-around night with 17 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.
• Scottie Barnes fought back after a slow start and finished with 15 points, showing effort on both ends.
Kyle Lowry’s Return to Toronto
The real emotional moment of the night came late in the fourth quarter when Raptors fans chanted “We want Lowry!” and got their wish. Kyle Lowry, now starring for the 76ers, checked into the game to a standing ovation from Raptors fans who remembered everything he did for the franchise, especially the 2019 championship run.
Lowry was visibly moved, thanked the crowd, and shared a few moments of recognition from the Raptors faithful. It felt like a special tribute night, and many wondered aloud if this would be his final appearance in Toronto. Lowry has indicated his intention to retire with the Raptors and even expressed interest in a one-day contract to retire as a Raptor, and this night only added fuel to that idea.
While he didn’t score, his mere presence and the crowd reaction made this loss feel bigger in an emotional sense than the final score.
Standings and Where the Raptors Sit
With this result the Raptors’ record moved to around 24 and 17 on the season, keeping them competitive in the Eastern Conference but not in first place at that moment. They remained in the mix near the upper tier, but a couple of teams were ahead in the standings. Consistency in wins and health will determine whether Toronto can leap into first — especially against the elite teams they will see down the stretch.
To chase that top of the East spot, the Raptors need to:
• Improve defensive starts to avoid digging deep early holes.
• Find more efficient three-point shooting nights to open up the floor.
• Minimize turnovers in tight spots and capitalize on second chances.
Trade and Roster Update Notes
As of the latest reports there were no major trade moves confirmed involving the Raptors around this time of year, and nothing official regarding moves for or surrounding DeMar DeRozan. The focus for Toronto continued to be on staying healthy and maximizing the performance of the current rotation.
Final Thoughts from a Long Time Fan
Losses aren’t always fun, but some nights are still unforgettable. This was absolutely one of those nights. The Raptors did not quit, fought back in stretches, and were simply outplayed by a hot Philadelphia team that came out sharp.
But when the crowd rose up for Kyle Lowry, cheered his name and gave him a moment of pure appreciation, it reminded everyone why sports can be so emotional. Lowry delivered a championship, helped define a generation of Raptors basketball and tonight got the love he deserves.
Even in defeat, that was a win for the culture and the fans.
👏 Let’s Go Raptors 👏
