The Toronto Raptors took care of business at home last night, January 3, rolling past the Atlanta Hawks with an impressive 134 to 117 win that felt like a reset and a reminder of just how good this group can be when everything clicks.
After a stretch of tough games and close calls, this one felt good. The ball moved, shots fell, and Toronto controlled the game when it mattered most.
How the Night Unfolded
The Hawks hung around early, trading baskets and trying to keep pace, but Toronto never looked rattled. The Raptors stayed patient, trusted the offence, and gradually took control as the game wore on.
The turning point came in the second half when Toronto ramped up the defensive pressure and turned stops into easy points the other way. Once the Raptors found their rhythm, Atlanta struggled to slow them down.
This was a complete team effort and one of the more polished performances Toronto has put together at home this season.
Big Performances Across the Board
- RJ Barrett had another strong night, attacking the basket with confidence and setting the tone early. His ability to score inside opened things up for everyone else on the floor.
- Brandon Ingram looked calm and in control, knocking down tough shots and leading the offence when Atlanta tried to make a push. His presence has made a noticeable difference during close stretches.
- Scottie Barnes once again filled the stat sheet, impacting the game in multiple ways. Whether it was scoring, rebounding, defending, or making the right pass, he was everywhere.
- Immanuel Quickley kept the pace steady and helped Toronto stay organized offensively, while Jakob Poeltl did the quiet work inside, battling on the glass and protecting the paint.
- Off the bench, Sandro Mamukelashvili provided energy and physicality, and Gradey Dick gave Toronto spacing and movement that helped stretch Atlanta’s defence.
- For the Hawks, Trae Young did what he usually does, creating offence and keeping Atlanta competitive, but Toronto’s balance proved to be too much over four quarters.
Where the Raptors Stood After the Win
With this victory, the Raptors remained firmly in the upper half of the Eastern Conference. They stayed right in the mix near second place, still within reach of the top spot if they can build some consistency over the next stretch of games.
The East has been tight, and nights like this matter. Wins at home against playoff caliber teams are the ones that help separate contenders from the pack.
To keep climbing, Toronto will need to continue defending with purpose, share the ball the way they did last night, and take advantage of their depth.
Trade Talk and the Bigger Picture
As for trade chatter and reunion dreams, including talk about DeMar DeRozan, there has been nothing concrete. For now, the focus clearly remains on this group and what they are building together on the floor.
And honestly, after watching a performance like this, it is easy to understand why.
Final Thoughts from a Long Time Fan
Games like this are why I am excited again about Raptors basketball. This team played connected, confident, and hungry. They looked like a group that expects to win, especially on their home floor.
A convincing win like this does more than just add one to the standings. It builds belief. If the Raptors keep playing this way, especially as the season settles in, there is no reason they cannot be a serious problem come spring.
This one felt right.
👏 Let’s Go Raptors 👏
