Raptors Let One Slip Away Late as Harden, Clippers Steal Overtime Win
The Raptors had this one in their hands - until they didn’t. Up late in the fourth, with a chance to close out a statement win, they got outscored 20-8 over the final eight minutes, including overtime. James Harden took over, and Toronto had no answer.
Let’s break down how a winnable game turned into a missed opportunity.
A Balanced Offense That Faltered Late
Toronto’s offensive approach this season has leaned into balance. It’s not a one-man show - far from it.
Against the Clippers, seven different players hit double figures. Gradey Dick continued his scoring surge with back-to-back strong outings.
Rookie guard Jamal Shead played with poise and control, looking every bit the part of a lead guard. Ochai Agbaji knocked down a few threes and notched a season high.
And then there’s Brandon Ingram.
Ingram’s numbers this season won’t jump off the page. His efficiency, shot creation, and overall playmaking are down compared to previous years.
Statistically, this might be his least productive season in five years. But the Raptors are winning more than they did last year, and Ingram’s fingerprints are all over that improvement.
He’s been healthy - a luxury not every team can claim this season - and he’s been steady. He’s not dominating possessions, but he’s picking his spots.
Through three quarters and change, he had a quiet 17 points on just nine shots. Efficient.
Selective. In rhythm.
RJ Barrett summed it up earlier this season: “He comes in every day. He comes in early… he works on his stuff.
So, he’s a true professional.” That work ethic has translated into a leadership role, even if it doesn’t always show up in the box score.
The Raptors’ Late-Game Identity Crisis
Now, while Toronto spreads the wealth for most of the game, they’re not shy about leaning on Ingram in crunch time. That’s where his role as the go-to guy becomes clear. But when it mattered most against the Clippers, the Raptors struggled to generate offense - and Ingram struggled to deliver.
Meanwhile, Harden was putting on a clinic.
The Clippers ran pointed two-man actions to get Ingram switched onto Harden in overtime. It worked to perfection.
Harden got to the rim with ease and either scored or created clean looks. The Raptors couldn’t keep pace.
Offensively, Ingram couldn’t get anything to fall in the clutch. Despite his heroics against the Pacers earlier this season, where he shouted “that’s why they brought me here!”
after a game-winner, late-game execution has been a mixed bag. He missed four straight shots in overtime and turned the ball over multiple times.
For a team that’s relied on defense to win close games - and entered the night 15-6 in clutch situations - that kind of offensive drought was tough to overcome.
Ingram’s All-Star Case and What Comes Next
Ingram’s All-Star candidacy is complicated. He’s the Raptors’ leading scorer, a steady veteran presence, and a big reason why the team has taken a step forward this season.
Coaches and voters alike will notice that. But the late-game struggles and dip in playmaking numbers might hold him back from securing a spot.
Still, there’s untapped potential here. Ingram’s shown he can take over games - just not consistently in the clutch. If the Raptors want to keep trending upward, unlocking that version of Ingram more often will be key.
This loss hurts, no doubt. But it also highlights exactly where Toronto needs to grow.
They’ve got the depth. They’ve got the balance.
And they’ve got a leader in Ingram. Now, it’s about finishing.