The Toronto Raptors just suffered a new low. The Raptors blow a 17-point and lose to the Utah Jazz 126-119.
The Raptors led by 17 with 17 minutes left and completely fell apart down the stretch. The Jazz outscored the Raptors 41-21 in the fourth quarter.
The Jazz caught fire and the Raptors went cold at the worst time. Lauri Markkanen scored 30 points and Jordan Clarkson had 30 from off the bench. Both were big down the stretch for Utah.
The loss spoils another gem from Scottie Barnes who tied his career-high with 32 points. He hauled in 14 rebounds and had 7 assists. Barnes scored 24 of his 32 in the first-half but then didn’t get many touches in the fourth.
Barnes continues to have a great season with the Raptors. He’s the only player in the league with 40+ steals and 40+ blocks this season.
Pascal Siakam had 19 points, O.G. Anunoby had 19 as well and Gary Trent Jr. scored 16 points from off the bench.
This loss is a new low for the Raptors who have now dropped 10 of their last 13 games.
Raptors will play 9 of their next 10 games on the road. They’ve lost their last 5 road games. Their last win on the road was on Nov. 22.
“I told the guys, as a leader of the team, I’ve gotta look in the mirror and see what I can do better. I expect the same from the coaching staff and all the players, to look in the mirror and evaluate themselves and what each individual can do better,” Darko Rajakovic said postgame via Josh Lewenberg.
The reality is the Raptors just haven’t been good. They’ve had many bad loses in the first 29 games of the season and this one is by far the worst.
Toronto now has the 7th worst record in the NBA and look far from a team that will be in Play-In contention.
Next on tap
The Raptors will have a mini Christmas break to reflect on where they are at.
Toronto will be in action next on Dec. 27 against the Washington Wizards. The Raptors have the Wizards, Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons to close out 2023.
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