The Raptors secured a 109 to 97 victory in Atlanta, and it felt like the kind of win that builds something. The Hawks had pulled ahead early, but Toronto came back, took control in the fourth quarter, and left with the kind of performance fans can rally behind.
What Stood Out From the Game
- Brandon Ingram led the Raptors with 20 points, anchoring the team when it mattered most.
- Scottie Barnes made his presence felt with 14 points and 10 rebounds, adding defensive impact as the game wore on.
- RJ Barrett chipped in 19 points and helped maintain the offensive rhythm.
- For Atlanta the surge came early: Jalen Johnson posted 21 points, and Nickeil Alexander‑Walker added 20 points in the first half when the Hawks were leading.
- The turning point: Toronto trailed by 13 in the second quarter but flipped the script and took the lead around the start of the fourth, then pulled away with a dominant 36-20 fourth quarter.
Why This Win Means Something Big
This wasn’t just another notch in the win column. It was a demonstration of resilience and growth. After some shaky games earlier this season, the Raptors looked cleaner, sharper, more focused. The bench contributed the way good benches do, the starters showed leadership, and the team looked capable of grinding out wins.
Compared to last season’s early struggles, this feels like a step in the right direction. The Raptors are showing signs of finding identity and consistency rather than just hoping to win one game at a time.
Where Things Stand and What’s Up Next
With this win, the Raptors improved to 5-4 on the season. They’re crossing the .500 mark and doing so on a road win, which always adds a little extra weight.
Next up: They head to Philadelphia to take on the Philadelphia 76ers. That will be a test: an away game, a quality opponent, and an opportunity to show the growth is for real. Key things to keep an eye on:
- Can the Raptors sustain this kind of fourth-quarter dominance away from home?
- Will the bench keep contributing meaningful minutes so the starters don’t always carry the load?
- How will Toronto defend in a tougher environment and keep building momentum?
Final Thoughts
For fans: this one felt good. It felt like a win that matters rather than just a win that happens. The Raptors are building something, not just playing out the schedule.
So yes, we’re seeing better starts than last year, and yes, this team is worth watching with a little more optimism than before. Enjoy the run, cheer them on, and keep believing because this win last night felt like a marker of something more to come.
👏 Let’s Go Raptors 👏
