-
1 week ago | 
raptorsrepublic.com | Esfandiar Baraheni
The first word out of Masai Ujiri’s mouth to start the 2024-2025 season was rebuild. From the onset, the Raptors, from top down, knew exactly what their 30th anniversary season would entail. It was a whirlwind. The Raptors honoured their legends, celebrated fan favourites, showed why purple should stay, and highlighted local heroes throughout their themed nights. On the court, it was no less scattered.
-
1 month ago | 
raptorsrepublic.com | Esfandiar Baraheni
AJ Lawson’s previous career high was just 17 points, set in 2021 as a member of the Dallas Mavericks. He just poured in 32 points, added 12 rebounds and propelled his hometown Raptors to a win over the Washington Wizards. Lawson has had a few big moments for the main club this season, including a couple of big shots versus the Orlando Magic, but tonight was one for the ages.
-
1 month ago | 
raptorsrepublic.com | Esfandiar Baraheni
The Tottenham Hotspurs are not having a world-class season. Plagued by injuries, they’ve been stuck in the middle of the Premier League, no longer the top-tier football club they once were. Many aren’t happy with manager Ange Postecoglou, and the once-formidable forward Son Heung-Min is a shell of himself at 32 years old. But they are turning the corner after a win against Manchester United.
-
2 months ago | 
raptorsrepublic.com | Esfandiar Baraheni
The game started out ugly. But RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley willed the Raptors into a fun basketball game. Barrett finished with 29 points on 17 shots and made four of his six threes in 38 minutes. He was electric in the fourth quarter making multiple shots as the Raptors mounted their comeback. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough in overtime. Quickley added in 23 points but shot just 38% from the field despite making five made threes.
-
2 months ago | 
raptorsrepublic.com | Esfandiar Baraheni
When one door closes, another opens. Opportunities in the NBA come about in the NBA like this often and that’s no exception for this season’s Toronto Raptors. Part of the calculus in trading Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, and Davion Mitchell is to open up opportunities for the crop of young players on this Toronto Raptors team to finish the 2024-2025 season. Bobby Webster said as much when explaining the Raptors’ thought process at the trade deadline.
-
2 months ago | 
raptorsrepublic.com | Esfandiar Baraheni
After getting whooped by the Cavaliers, the Raptors are now 17-38 heading into the All-Star break. What comes next? Well, first, the game. RJ Barrett returned to action after missing time with a concussion and dropped 27 points on 18 shots, but he was the sole bright spot for the Raptors in what ended up being a 23-point loss. Scottie Barnes struggled offensively, putting up 16 points on 15 shots, while adding 11 rebounds and seven assists.
-
2 months ago | 
raptorsrepublic.com | Esfandiar Baraheni
Matt Bonner poked the bear. Unknowingly. Scottie Barnes put up 33 points and got to the free-throw line a career-best 15 times, and it was all because the co-host of the Raptors Show (the better host) said that Scottie needs to be more aggressive and get to the basket. Maybe it was Bonner, or maybe it was the Sixers’ lackluster drop-coverage defense, but either way, Barnes put on a masterclass. He was aggressive, looked to attack the hoop and only took two threes all night.
-
2 months ago | 
raptorsrepublic.com | Esfandiar Baraheni
Jamal Shead have yourself a game. The Raptors were down by as much as 23 points in this game but Shead helped spark a run that made this an interesting contest in the fourth quarter. Shead finished with a career-high 16 points, dishing out 9 assists and was a +10 in 23 minutes of action. Shead lead a group of Jonathan Mogbo, Kelly Olynyk, Bruce Brown and Ochai Agbaji to help the Raptors claw back in the 3rd and fourth quarter. But it wasn’t enough.
-
2 months ago | 
raptorsrepublic.com | Esfandiar Baraheni
Luka, who? Anthony Davis, What? The Toronto Raptors are figuring it out. The process proved fruitful against Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and the LA Clippers. Scottie Barnes put up 15 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. RJ Barrett put up 20 points, six rebounds, and seven assists. What was most impressive was Barrett’s defense on Kawhi Leonard, whom he forced into four turnovers. The Raptors had their offense clicking everywhere.
-
2 months ago | 
raptorsrepublic.com | Esfandiar Baraheni
The winning ways are over for the Raptors. They lost to the Chicago Bulls despite Zach LaVine not playing. Toronto was led by Scottie Barnes, who put up 20 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists and shot 40% from the field. Despite the poor shooting percentage, Barnes was surgical throughout the game, carving up the Bulls in the post for openings.
