Scottie Barnes delivered a clutch performance with 25 points, including a crucial basket in the final minute, as the Toronto Raptors edged the Atlanta Hawks 122-119 on Thursday night, securing just their second road victory of the season.
Bruce Brown contributed 18 points, while Jakob Poeltl and Chris Boucher each added 17 in the opening game of a two-game set in Atlanta.
The Hawks had a final opportunity to tie the game with 2.7 seconds remaining. Still, Toronto’s defense forced Onyeka Okongwu into a contested three-point attempt at the buzzer, which fell short as an airball.
Bogdan Bogdanovic, who had been struggling with his shot, broke out of his slump to lead the Hawks with 23 points, knocking down three of his five three-point attempts. Dyson Daniels filled the stat sheet with 22 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and four steals.
The loss marked Atlanta’s third consecutive defeat. The two teams will meet again on Saturday.
RJ Barrett and Gradey Dick each scored 15 points for Toronto, which has now won four of its last five games.
The Hawks suffered a setback when forward Jalen Johnson injured his left shoulder while fouling Barnes in the second quarter. Already dealing with right shoulder inflammation, Johnson exited the game immediately and did not return.
Takeaways
Raptors: Toronto maintained control for most of the first half, building and holding a double-digit lead as they continue to play some of their best basketball of the season.
Hawks: Atlanta has struggled since returning from an extended road trip, dropping consecutive home games to Detroit and Toronto. The loss of Jalen Johnson, who entered the game averaging 19.3 points and 10.2 rebounds, adds to the team’s concerns.
Key Moment
With under a minute remaining, Barnes knocked down a tough floater with 55 seconds left, extending Toronto’s lead to 120-117 and helping seal the victory.
Key Stat
Toronto snapped a nine-game road losing streak with the win.
Up Next
The Raptors and Hawks will meet again in Atlanta on Saturday night.
