The Toronto Raptors have been in a bit of a tailspin offensively over the past few weeks, dropping games they’d normally have wrapped up by the third quarter. But last night, short-handed and facing a Miami Heat squad that’s no stranger to grinding out wins, the Raptors flipped the script.
With RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl both sidelined, it looked like another tough night was on deck. Instead, Toronto delivered a gritty, team-first performance that quieted the noise-for at least one night.
The Raptors came out swinging, opening the game on a 16-3 run that set the tone early. Miami couldn’t buy a bucket, and Toronto made sure of it with active hands, tight contests, and a defensive energy that’s been missing in recent outings.
The offense wasn’t exactly textbook, but it was opportunistic. Toronto started 3-for-6 from deep and pushed the pace, capitalizing on Miami’s early struggles.
Still, as quickly as they built that lead, they let it slip. Miami clawed back, and it looked like the Raptors might fall into the same offensive rut that’s plagued them lately.
But every time the Heat made a push, Toronto had an answer. It wasn’t always pretty, but it was enough.
Scottie Barnes, in particular, looked every bit the franchise cornerstone. With the team shorthanded and the offense in need of a spark, Barnes stepped up in a big way.
He wasn’t settling for jumpers-he was attacking mismatches, especially when guarded by smaller defenders like Jaime Jaquez Jr. Barnes went to work in the post, backing down defenders with patience and purpose.
Even against bigger bodies like Bam Adebayo, he didn’t shy away from contact. He embraced it, using strength and finesse to carve out space and finish with touch.
Nearly all of his makes came in the paint-a clear sign that he was imposing his will, not reacting to the defense.
And while Barnes was leading the charge, he wasn’t doing it alone.
One of the night’s biggest revelations came from rookie Collin Murray-Boyles, who turned in a monster performance on the glass. He hauled in a career-high 11 rebounds-nine of them on the offensive end.
That’s not just hustle, that’s game-changing effort. Murray-Boyles used his size and strength to carve out space in the paint, battling for second-chance opportunities and giving Toronto the kind of extra possessions that swing momentum.
He also made his presence felt defensively, challenging shots and protecting the rim with energy and timing that belied his rookie status.
The Raptors also found their range from deep, knocking down 14 threes-six more than Miami. That margin matters in today’s NBA, where the three-point line often decides games.
And these weren’t just heat-checks or lucky bounces. Toronto punished defensive lapses the way good teams do-by making open looks count.
Sandro Mamukelashvili, starting in place of the injured Poeltl, played a pivotal role in that offensive rhythm. He went 4-for-6 from beyond the arc, mostly off simple pick-and-pop actions.
Nothing flashy-just smart basketball. He’d set the screen, pop out, and if his defender helped too much, he let it fly.
But Mamu wasn’t just spacing the floor. He was facilitating, too.
He finished with a season-high seven assists, showing off his ability to make the right read and keep the offense flowing. Whether it was a slick underhand dish to Barnes in transition or a quick entry pass when Barnes sealed deep in the post, Mamu made the simple plays that keep an offense humming. That kind of composure and decision-making is invaluable, especially when your lineup is missing key pieces.
With the win, Toronto snapped a two-game skid and avoided what could’ve turned into a longer slide. It wasn’t a perfect performance, but it was the kind of game that reminds you what this team can be when the effort, execution, and energy align.
Next up: a Boxing Day matchup with the Washington Wizards, after a well-earned two-day break. If Toronto can bottle up some of what worked last night-starting with Barnes’ aggression, Murray-Boyles’ hustle, and Mamu’s steady hand-they’ll be in good shape heading into the next stretch.