Raptors Weekly Breakdown: Ingram’s Impact, Barrett’s Return, and a Crucial Homestand Ahead
The Toronto Raptors wrapped up a tough week with a 1-2 record, but that stat line doesn’t quite capture the full picture. They notched what might’ve been their most impressive win of the season against the surging Oklahoma City Thunder, then followed it up with a pair of frustrating second-half collapses against the New York Knicks and Orlando Magic. If this past week taught us anything, it’s that this Raptors team is still figuring itself out - and time is ticking.
Let’s unpack what we learned.
Brandon Ingram: Star Power, But at What Cost?
Brandon Ingram is putting up numbers. There’s no denying that.
He’s leading the Raptors with 21.9 points per game and doing it efficiently. His ability to create his own shot has been a lifeline for an offense that often struggles to generate clean looks in the halfcourt.
But here’s the rub: when Ingram isn’t scoring, what else is he bringing to the table?
That question came into sharper focus this week. Against the Thunder - arguably Toronto’s grittiest win of the season - Ingram had one of his worst offensive outings, managing just 13 points on 18 shots. Yet the Raptors pulled it out with a collective, defense-first effort that felt like a throwback to their identity pre-trade.
Then came the losses to New York and Orlando. Ingram was electric in both games, averaging 31 points on 59% shooting. But the Raptors lost both contests, and not just by a little - they let leads slip away and couldn’t close when it mattered most.
That’s not all on Ingram, of course. But it does raise a bigger question about how his style of play fits within this team’s ecosystem. The ball tends to stick in his hands, and when the offense runs through him, it can stall out the movement and cohesion that Toronto thrives on when it’s at its best.
Dig into the numbers, and there’s something eye-opening: the Raptors are actually 1.3 points per 100 possessions better when Ingram is off the floor. That’s not a definitive indictment, but it’s certainly a red flag worth watching. For all his scoring prowess, Ingram’s defensive focus wavers, and his playmaking doesn’t always elevate those around him.
This isn’t about blaming Ingram - it’s about figuring out how to maximize his talent within the team concept. Because if the Raptors want to be more than just a highlight reel of individual performances, that integration has to happen.
RJ Barrett: Still Searching for Rhythm
RJ Barrett is back on the court after missing extended time with an ankle sprain, but he’s clearly still finding his footing.
In four games since returning, Barrett is averaging 13.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists while shooting just under 40% from the field. That’s a noticeable dip from his pre-injury form, when he was putting up nearly 20 points per game on over 50% shooting.
Before the injury, Barrett was quietly becoming one of Toronto’s most reliable two-way players. He gave them another ball handler, a strong downhill driver, and someone who could defend multiple positions. The Raptors were simply better with him on the floor.
Now, after missing 23 of the last 32 games, Barrett is trying to shake off the rust. That’s understandable.
But the Raptors don’t have the luxury of waiting too long for him to get back to form. If they’re going to make a push in the second half of the season, they need Barrett to be the version of himself we saw in November - aggressive, efficient, and engaged on both ends.
And if he struggles to get there? Toronto may have to take a hard look at how he fits into the rotation moving forward. That’s not a panic move - it’s just the reality of a team trying to stay competitive while also developing its young core.
A Softer Stretch on the Horizon
The good news for Toronto: the schedule finally lets up a bit.
The Raptors just wrapped up a grueling run - six of their last seven games on the road, including a five-game West Coast swing and two matchups against direct Eastern Conference competitors. It was a taxing stretch for a young team still building chemistry, and frankly, they looked a little worn down by the end of it.
Now comes a much-needed five-game homestand. The Jazz, Timberwolves, Bulls, Pacers, and Pistons are coming to town - and while none of those are guaranteed wins, the overall level of competition is a step down from what Toronto’s been facing.
This is a chance to regroup. To get Barrett more comfortable.
To figure out how to optimize Ingram’s role. And maybe most importantly, to stack some wins before the playoff race starts to really heat up.
What’s Next?
The Raptors are at a crossroads. They’ve shown flashes of what they could be - a team that defends hard, moves the ball, and gets contributions up and down the roster. But they’ve also shown how fragile that identity can be when the offense bogs down or the defensive intensity dips.
Ingram’s scoring is a weapon, but it can’t be the only one. Barrett’s return is important, but he needs to find his rhythm quickly.
And this upcoming homestand? It’s more than just a breather - it’s an opportunity to reset the tone for the second half of the season.
We’ll see if they take it.