Raptors Show Late Fight but Fall to Nets Amid Injury Concerns and Offensive Struggles
The Raptors found themselves in a deep hole Sunday night in Brooklyn, trailing by as many as 15 points and looking every bit like a team still searching for rhythm. But just when things looked bleak, Toronto mounted a surprising 15-0 run - and they did it with their two best players on the bench. It wasn’t enough to flip the script entirely, but it injected life into what had been a sluggish performance in a 96-81 loss to the Nets.
This marked the start of a three-game road swing for the Raptors, and while the final score won’t inspire much confidence, there were moments - especially late in the third and early in the fourth - where the energy picked up and the team showed some real fight. Unfortunately, that momentum didn’t last.
Brooklyn countered with a run of its own in the fourth quarter, regaining control behind a mix of timely shot-making and Toronto’s defensive lapses. The Raptors helped the Nets’ cause by settling for too many quick, low-percentage looks. That combination - shaky defense and rushed offense - proved costly down the stretch.
Let’s break down three key takeaways from a night where the Raptors managed just 39 points in the first half, their lowest-scoring opening half of the season.
1. Jakob Poeltl’s Health Becoming a Lingering Concern
Jakob Poeltl’s back issues are starting to become more than just a short-term inconvenience - they’re now a serious question mark for the Raptors’ frontcourt stability. After missing Saturday’s home game, Poeltl returned to the starting lineup in Brooklyn but logged only seven minutes before being ruled out with back stiffness.
This isn’t new. Lower-back problems are notoriously tricky, and Poeltl’s recurring discomfort is forcing the Raptors into tough decisions.
Do they continue to play him in a limited capacity, or is it time to shut him down until he’s fully healthy? Either way, the team is clearly feeling his absence.
In games where Poeltl has been unavailable, Toronto has struggled on the glass - and Sunday was no different. The Nets outrebounded the Raptors 48-39, taking full advantage of Toronto’s lack of size and interior presence. Without Poeltl anchoring the paint, the Raptors are vulnerable, especially against teams that can crash the boards with purpose.
There’s also the question of roster construction. If Poeltl’s health continues to be a question mark, Toronto may need to look externally for help up front. The rebounding numbers - and the eye test - suggest this team needs another reliable big man.
2. A Glimmer of Hope with RJ Barrett’s Progress
While RJ Barrett didn’t suit up, there was a silver lining before tipoff. The forward, sidelined with a knee issue, was seen going through on-court work during pregame warmups. That’s a promising sign for a player who brings scoring, size, and versatility to the Raptors’ lineup.
Barrett’s return would be a welcome boost, especially given the team’s current offensive inconsistencies. His ability to create off the dribble and defend multiple positions makes him a key piece in Toronto’s rotation. If he’s trending toward a return, that’s a development worth watching closely.
3. Brandon Ingram Dodges Injury Scare
The Raptors also held their breath in the first half when Brandon Ingram appeared to tweak his ankle. He headed to the locker room accompanied by Alex McKechnie, the team’s VP of player health and performance - a sight that usually spells trouble.
But Ingram returned and finished the game strong, leading the Raptors with 19 points in 33 minutes. It was a sigh of relief for a player who’s had his share of injury setbacks, including an ankle issue that limited him to just 18 games last season.
Immanuel Quickley chipped in 17 points and provided some needed offensive punch, but it was a rough night for Scottie Barnes, who never found a rhythm. Barnes finished with just six points on 3-of-10 shooting, and his impact on both ends of the floor was muted.
Final Word
This was a game that showed both the Raptors’ resilience and their flaws. The late-third-quarter surge was impressive - especially considering it came without their top stars on the court - but the bigger picture remains clear: this team is still trying to find consistency, both in performance and health.
With Poeltl’s status uncertain and Barrett still working his way back, the Raptors have some lineup challenges to navigate. And if they want to stay competitive on this road trip, they’ll need more than just flashes of energy - they’ll need sustained execution, especially on defense and in the half-court offense.
The fight is there. Now it’s about putting the pieces together.