The Toronto Raptors were once again competitive and fought hard, but ultimately fell short to the Los Angeles Clippers 105-103.
Six of the Raptors’ last 7 games have been decided by 6 or less points and 4 of them have been one possession games. The Raptors have yet to win on the road (0-5) and are 2-8 on the season (first team with 8 losses).
Welcome back Immanuel Quickley
Quickley returned from a pelvic injury that had him sidelined for 8 games. The Raptors lead guard played well scoring 21 points to go along with 4 assists and 3 rebounds in 26 minutes of action. Quickley was outstanding in the fourth quarter. He made a couple of big baskets, including a game-tying three with 39 seconds left in the game.
Ochai Agbaji continues to impress
Agbaji has made the most out of the Raptors early-season injuries. He has thrived as a starter this season and he once again put up a solid performance for the Raptors. Agbaji had 21 points, joining Quickley for the team-high to go along with 7 rebounds and 3 assists. The 24-year-old shot an efficient 9-for-14 from the field and 3-for-6 from three. Agbaji has come alive this season for Toronto and is proving to be a key rotation piece on this young team.
What could have been with Norman Powell
Powell is having a terrific season with the Clippers and he has emerged as one of the best offensive players in the NBA today. Powell poured in 24 points in the Clippers win against his former team. The Raptors traded Powell in March 2021 to the Portland Trail Blazers for Gary Trent Jr. and Rodney Hood. The Raptors did not want to pay Powell and they were hoping to get someone younger in Trent Jr. who would become better than Powell. That never happened. Powell is 31-years-old and does not fit the Raptors rebuilding timeline, but it would have been interesting to see how things would have played out if Toronto kept him.
Next on tap
The Raptors will be in action again on Sunday as they take on the Los Angeles Lakers in the second night of a back-to-back.
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