The Toronto Raptors erased a 21-point deficit to defeat the Orlando Magic 109-93.
Locked in defensively
It looked like the Raptors were headed for another blowout loss. The Magic dominated the first quarter and led by as many as 21 points. However, the Raptors finally showed signs of life and turned in their best defensive performance of the season. They held the Magic to just 13 points in the second quarter and in the third Toronto outscored Orlando 40-20. Orlando shot just 41.2 percent from the field and 29.0 percent from three. The Raptors finished with 7 steals and 6 blocks, 4 of which were from Kelly Olynyk.
Second unit delivers
Speaking of Olynyk he and Bruce Brown combined for 27 points to lead the Raptors’ bench attack. Not only was Olynyk big on defense, but he shot the ball well finishing 4-for-6 from the field, which included two three-pointers. Brown led all bench scorers with 15 points to go along with 5 assists and 5 rebounds. He has been impressive in back-t0-back games now showing signs of his old self. The veterans were a big boost on both ends. Jamal Shead also chipped in with two three-pointers as the rookie continues to shoot the ball well from deep.
Scottie Barnes steps up
Barnes had a great two-way performance against the Magic. Barnes did it all this game. He slowed down Paolo Banchero, showed off his playmaking and got to his spots on offense. Barnes bounced back in a big way offensively while anchoring the Raptors’ defense. Banchero still had a nice game finishing with 26 points in 32 minutes, but Barnes did not make it easy for him. On offense, Barnes finished with a near triple-double of 17 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists. RJ Barrett finished with 19 points and Gradey Dick had 17, which included a highlight reel dunk:
COOKINGGGG pic.twitter.com/EGTtkWelhA
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) January 22, 2025
Barnes led the way and his teammates followed.
Next on tap
The Raptors will head to Atlanta to take on the Hawks on Jan. 23.
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