Last night the Raptors fell 96 to 81 to the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The final result was a setback, but I walked away honestly proud of how this team competed, especially considering where they’ve come from this season.
What Happened in the Game
Brooklyn came ready to defend, executed well and got key contributions from a mix of veterans and young players. Toronto hung tight early and even cut into the lead in stretches, but the Nets used a strong fourth quarter to pull away and seal the win. Toronto’s offence just couldn’t get enough stops or consistent buckets late in the game.
Big Nights and Standouts
For the Nets:
- Michael Porter Jr. led all scorers with 24 points and 11 rebounds, doing a little bit of everything and keeping his team ahead when it counted.
- Noah Clowney provided a powerful matchup presence with 19 points and 9 rebounds.
- Egor Dëmin also made his mark with 16 points, knocking down important shots that helped Brooklyn maintain its edge.
For the Raptors:
- Brandon Ingram led the way with 19 points, attacking the paint and making plays when the offence needed rhythm.
- Immanuel Quickley turned in a strong performance with 17 points and 10 assists, showing poise with the ball and playmaking ability.
- It was one of those nights where Toronto’s offence just could not get hot as a group, and Brooklyn’s defence made life tough from start to finish. The Nets outscored the Raptors 29 to 16 in the fourth quarter, and that stretch ultimately decided the game.
Standings Check: Where They Sit in the East
Despite the loss, Toronto remained among the upper tier of the Eastern Conference, but they were no longer holding second place. With a record of 17-13 after this game, they were still competitive in the standings and close to the group of teams at the top of the East. They were a few games behind the first-place club, but the gap was not insurmountable with the way this roster has shown resilience this season.
What Needs to Happen Going Forward
Here are the clear takeaways from this one:
- Defensive consistency early has to improve. Allowing Brooklyn to get a big lead in the second quarter set the tone.
- Offensive rhythm needs balance. Quickley and Ingram gave strong performances, but the rest of the rotation struggled to get going.
- Closing out quarters and possessions is key. The Raptors gave up major runs in the fourth, and limiting those is essential for beating tough defensive teams like the Nets.
This loss doesn’t redefine the season, but it does highlight areas Toronto can tighten up if they want to stay in serious contention.
Final Thoughts From a Long Time Fan Who’s Still Excited
I’ve cheered through roller coaster seasons, so let me tell you this: even on nights when the score doesn’t go our way, I am encouraged. Seeing Brandon Ingram and Immanuel Quickley lead the offence with confidence, watching the young guys compete physically, and knowing this group has already shown it can beat anyone makes me feel like this season really matters.
Every team gets nights where things don’t click. This was one of them, but if the Raptors keep building, learning those small lessons, and tightening up the defence while keeping the belief they’ve shown all year, imagine how good they’ll be in the spring. I’m still watching, still cheering, and still believing.
👏 Go Raptors 👏
