When it comes to drawing a crowd, few can match the spectacle that Victor Wembanyama brings to the court. While names like LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Luka Doncic are synonymous with fanfare, the 7-foot-3 French sensation took it to another level during the Spurs’ visit to Toronto.
Fans were buzzing, security had their hands full, and kids were clamoring for a glimpse of the towering star. It’s a testament to the magnetic pull Wembanyama has every time he steps onto the hardwood.
This marked only Wembanyama’s second appearance in Toronto, as he missed last season's East Coast road trip due to injury. West Coast teams like San Antonio only make this journey once a year, and Toronto fans made sure to seize the opportunity.
The Raptors, with a fully stocked roster, were ready for the challenge Wembanyama presented. Scottie Barnes, who had been nursing a quad injury, was cleared to play, and Jakob Poeltl returned after sitting out for injury management.
A particularly intriguing matchup was the decision to pit rookie Collin Murray-Boyles against Wembanyama. Trusting a rookie with such a daunting task speaks volumes.
Murray-Boyles, known for his impressive strength, held his own despite the height disadvantage. His night was cut short due to a thumb injury in the fourth quarter, but his performance against a powerhouse like Wembanyama was commendable.
Jakob Poeltl also shone for Toronto, displaying a level of play that hadn’t been seen in some time. His defensive efforts, especially under the rim, were crucial. Poeltl's hustle on the boards kept the Raptors competitive throughout the game.
Heading into the fourth quarter, Toronto seemed poised for an upset, holding a double-digit lead against one of the league's elite teams. However, the Raptors ultimately fell to the Spurs 110-107.
The turning point? The Raptors began the fourth without Ingram or Barnes, allowing San Antonio to launch a 9-0 run and erase the lead.
Despite limiting Wembanyama to 12 points, the Spurs found other scoring avenues with Fox and Vassell both surpassing 20 points, and Dylan Harper adding 15 off the bench. Toronto missed key opportunities to clinch the game in the final moments.
Coach Darko Rajakovic explained post-game that Ingram typically sits at the start of the fourth, having played the entire third quarter. Barnes, dealing with a sore quad, requested limited minutes, leading to his absence at the start of the fourth. It was the second game of a back-to-back, influencing these decisions.
This marks the Raptors' second consecutive loss. They have a light schedule ahead, with only one game against the Washington Wizards on Saturday before returning home to face the New York Knicks on Wednesday.