Last night the Raptors pulled off a 119-109 win on the road in Brooklyn and it felt like that “yes” we’ve been holding out for. The Nets may be in the rebuild, but this didn’t feel like a “just get a win” kind of game. For us loyal fans, it felt like validation: this team can show up, string wins together, and maybe change the tone of the season.
Highlights From the Game
- Brandon Ingram led the scoring with 25 points, doing it efficiently and showing veteran calm when things got tense.
- Immanuel Quickley gave an excellent spark with 24 points, including a strong finish in the fourth quarter that helped seal the deal.
- Scottie Barnes tallied a double-double (15 points, 11 rebounds) and showed the kind of two-way presence we’ve come to expect from him — the physicality, the energy, the hustle plays.
- The Raptors dominated the glass: they outrebounded Brooklyn 50-36 and outscored them in the paint 68-36. That kind of control often determines who wins late-game tussles.
- For Brooklyn, despite the loss, Nic Claxton had a strong night (21 points, eight rebounds) and showed he’s a piece working to build.
Why This Win Feels Extra Important
I’ve been watching this team too long to get carried away by one win. But this? This felt different. After a shaky start we’re now 6-5 (according to the season log) and the vibes are better than where we were last year at this point.
When a team can win on the road, against a division rival (technically), and do so with effort and balance, that matters! It’s not just about the win total; it’s about growth. Last season we looked lost more often than we looked ready. This season, I’m seeing hints that we’re building toward something.
Additional Important Info as the Season Starts
- The Raptors are finally stringing some wins together instead of isolated flashes. That consistency (even short-term) is refreshing.
- The role players and bench are showing up more often. Depth was a question mark, and last night the spacing, rebounding, and off-ball movement all felt sharper.
- Defence still isn’t perfect (it rarely is after rebuilds), but controlling the paint and the boards in this game was a defensive win in itself.
- Having key guys like Ingram, Barnes, Quickley showing up gives hope that the “core” idea is real, not just hype.
What’s Next and Where Things Stand
So yes, the good news is the record is improving, the atmosphere is lifting, and the “maybe this year” feeling is a little stronger. Watch for the starters maintaining their level, the bench steadier minutes, and the team defence being more consistent. If Toronto can keep building on last night’s performance, we might just look back on this as the moment things turned.
Next up: the Raptors will return home and host the Cleveland Cavaliers. That’s a chance to keep momentum rolling and show that this Brooklyn win wasn’t a one-off.
Final Thoughts
As a long-time Raptors fan I’ve seen the highs, the lows, the rebuilds, the “almost-there” years that never quite happened. Last night reminded me that yes, this year feels different. I’m not saying a championship is imminent (I mean come on, I know how this goes), but I am saying I feel proud, I feel hopeful, and I feel like this team deserves our energy and our belief again.
So raise your Raptors gear tonight, savour this win, and let’s keep riding this wave because if we keep getting nights like this, I want to be here watching from the beginning of it all.
Here’s to more wins, more growth, and more nights where we feel like the Toronto Raptors are really back!
👏 Let’s Go Raptors 👏
