The Toronto Raptors saw their 5-game winning streak come to an end after falling to the Chicago Bulls 122-106.
Immanuel Quickley solid in return
Quickley returned after an eight-game absence and immediately got to work, scoring the Raptors’ first 5 points of the game. He led the team with 13 points in the first half. Quickley was under a minutes restriction and played 15 minutes in total, finishing with 14 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists. The Raptors will certainly miss Davion Mitchell’s defense in the starting lineup, but their offense was a lot more dynamic with Quickley back in the mix. Unfortunately, the Raptors couldn’t extend their winning streak and fall to 1-9 when Quickley starts.
Key rotation players out
The Raptors came into this matchup just 4.5 games back of the Bulls for the final play-in spot in the East, but they decided to focus on development instead of winning. Chris Boucher and Kelly Olynyk who have both played well lately were DNP-CD’s in this one. Darko Rajakovic confirmed that Boucher was available, but with the team getting healthy the Raptors wanted to take a look at Ja’Kobe Walter, per TSN’s Josh Lewenberg. The Raptors also wanted to evaluate Orlando Robinson who got Olynyk’s minutes. He’s on his second 10-day contract. The decision to go with the younger players instead of the veterans is an interesting one given that both Boucher and Olynyk have been in trade rumors. With the trade deadline next week, things could be brewing for the Raptors.
Scottie Barnes 360 slam
Barnes struggled from the field but he still put together a nice stat line of 20 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. The 23-year-old did not make the All-Star team as a reserve, but he has been playing like one since the start of the new year. Barnes had a highlight reel dunk in the second quarter when he hit the 360:
YESSIRSKIIIIIIII pic.twitter.com/3GZrzp6llz
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) February 1, 2025
Next on tap
The Raptors will continue their four-game homestand when they host Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers on Feb. 2.
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