A Glimpse of Potential

As the new year begins, many individuals are setting goals and resolutions for 2026. The Toronto Raptors are no different, as they look to improve their performance on the court. Ahead of their match-up against the Atlanta Hawks, Raptors’ coach Darko Rajakovic emphasized the importance of setting good habits. Using the word ‘habits’ is another way to describe consistency, something the Raptors have been lacking so far this season. Heading into the weekend with a 20-15 record, various factors such as injuries, unusual schedules, and inconsistent play have started to affect the team.

With Jakob Poeltl still out due to a back injury, the team had to make adjustments in their starting lineup. Collin Murray-Boyles was inserted alongside Barnes, Barrett (still under a minutes restriction), Quickley, and Ingram. This change brought about a shift in the team’s dynamics, but it also highlighted the need for more consistent performances from the players.

A Unique Game Experience

The game against the Hawks was unlike any other. Toronto scored nearly 80 points in the first half alone, showcasing their offensive capabilities. However, the officiating was scattered and odd at times, making the game feel longer than usual. Despite the impressive offensive performance, the Raptors were only up by 7 points at halftime, indicating that there were still areas needing improvement.

Brandon Ingram Shines

One of the standout moments of the game was Brandon Ingram’s performance. Described as a “hooper’s hooper” at the start of the season, Ingram proved to be an unstoppable force. When he gets hot, which is most nights, he becomes a key player for the Raptors. His ability to score and his overall fun-to-watch style of play made him a fan favorite. During this game, Ingram scored 29 points on 11-15 shooting from the field, adding 9 rebounds and 1 assist to his stat line.

RJ Barrett’s Strong Performance

RJ Barrett had arguably his best game since returning from his knee injury. He scored a season-high 29 points, contributing significantly to the Raptors’ offensive efforts. Alongside Ingram, Barrett helped lead the team’s offense, supported by Barnes. With the Hawks’ defense not being their strongest suit, the Raptors were able to capitalize on their opportunities and pull away in the fourth quarter.

A Win and Lessons Learned

The Raptors secured a 134-117 win over the Hawks. While the team struggled with consistency throughout the game, they managed to step up their defensive game when it mattered most. Barrett acknowledged the need for better defensive performance earlier in the game, stating, “We have to do that a lot earlier.”

Barrett also mentioned that the fourth quarter felt different, describing it as “Raptors basketball.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining that level of play throughout the entire game.

Coach Rajakovic’s Perspective

Coach Rajakovic praised the pace of the game and the performances of Ingram and Barrett. He specifically highlighted their defensive efforts, noting that studying film from games like tonight’s will be crucial. Rajakovic mentioned that the team will analyze the disparities between quarters and focus on what needs to be salvaged and corrected.

Looking Ahead

The Raptors will face the Hawks again on Monday, marking the fourth and final meeting of the season. In such close back-to-back games, studying film and having a solid game plan based on what worked during the previous match will be essential. A win in this game could help the Raptors build momentum and start a winning streak. They haven’t won more than two games in a row since their nine-game winning streak in November, making this opportunity even more significant.

Conclusion

While the Raptors have faced challenges this season, the game against the Hawks showcased their potential. With strong offensive performances from Barrett and Ingram, and improved defensive efforts in the final minutes, the team has taken a step in the right direction. As they head into the new year, establishing consistent habits will be key to their success moving forward.