Last night the Toronto Raptors pulled off one of the most exciting wins of the season, escaping with a 97 to 96 road victory over the Charlotte Hornets on a buzzer-beating three by Immanuel Quickley. This came after a 10-point fourth quarter deficit and felt like one of those games where everything came together at exactly the right moment.
It was also another example of how close so many Raptors games have been this season. We’ve seen timeouts, runs, comebacks, leads lost and retaken, and last night added another unforgettable finish to an already dramatic campaign.
How It Played Out — Drama Down the Stretch
Charlotte jumped out with a strong first half and led by as many as 10 early in the fourth quarter. The Hornets had momentum on their side and even took a late 96-94 lead when LaMelo Ball drove for a bucket with just a couple of seconds left. Then, after timeouts by both teams, Toronto drew up a perfect last look that Quickley buried from the top of the key right as the horn sounded.
It was the kind of finish that Raptors fans have been craving in close games, especially after a few tough overtime losses earlier this year.
Big Nights and Key Contributions
For Toronto:
• RJ Barrett led the Raptors with 28 points and seven rebounds, dominating when the offence needed a spark.
• Immanuel Quickley finished with 21 points and hit the game-winning three at the buzzer, capping a clutch night.
• Scottie Barnes added 17 points, many of them coming in the first half to keep Toronto within striking range.
The Raptors forced a season-high 18 turnovers by Charlotte, which helped fuel their comeback.
For the Hornets:
• Collin Sexton led all scorers for Charlotte with 22 points in a strong performance.
• LaMelo Ball scored 15, including the bucket that briefly put Charlotte ahead late.
• Miles Bridges added 12 points in support.
It was a balanced night for both clubs, and the difference came down to execution in the final possession.
Standings Check & Where the Raptors Sit in the East
With this win the Raptors improved to around 23 and 15 on the season, and their strong stretch meant they were still positioned near the second spot in the Eastern Conference. They were a game or so behind the first place team, keeping them well in the mix as the playoff picture started to take shape.
To keep climbing and close that gap, Toronto will need:
• More consistency early so they don’t constantly chase games.
• Continued clutch plays from the stars in tight moments.
• Defensive stops in crunch time against teams that run fast breaks.
This team has shown it can come back late and make big shots. That resilience could matter a lot in the playoff push.
Any Trade or Roster Updates?
As of right now there were no confirmed trade moves involving the Raptors and no indication that DeMar DeRozan was coming back. Most of the league’s rumoured trade buzz at this stage was focused on other franchises and their own deadline strategies. Toronto’s front office appeared content with the group they have and the chemistry they’ve built.
Given tonight’s performance (with a buzzer-beater and a fifth win in six games) it makes sense that the focus remained on development and cohesion rather than adding pieces mid-season.
Final Thoughts from a Long Time Fan
I have watched so many Raptors games where close finishes slipped away, especially in overtime. Last night felt different. It felt like the Raptors earned it. They fought back from a double-digit hole, stayed composed down the stretch, and executed under pressure. That last play was vintage basketball and gave Raptors fans exactly what they’ve been waiting for.
RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Scottie Barnes stepped up when it mattered most, and watching them make the big plays in crunch time was a reminder of just how competitive this group can be.
If this team keeps playing with that level of determination, belief, and clutch execution, this season could have even more wild finishes to come (and maybe even deeper runs than any of us dared hope for at the start)!
👏 Let’s Go Raptors 👏
