The Toronto Raptors haven’t had many Christmas Day games in their 30-year history.
The Raptors are one of only three teams along with the Memphis Grizzlies and Charlotte Hornets to play on Christmas Day twice or fewer.
The Raptors, Grizzlies and Hornets (who have never played on Christmas Day) are the only teams who have not won a Christmas game.
The Raptors last Christmas game came in 2019 against the Boston Celtics following their 2019 championship run. Pascal Siakam sat this game out so Fred VanVleet led the charge with 27 points and 6 assists. Chris Boucher had 24 points in 28 minutes from off the bench. Raptors legend Kyle Lowry poured in 14 points along with Serge Ibaka’s 12, but Boston still made light work of Toronto defeating them 118-102. Jaylen Brown and Kemba Walker combined for 52 points and despite Jayson Tatum’s struggles the Celtics still took care of business.
The Raptors first ever Christmas game appearance came in 2001 against the New York Knicks. Vince Carter struggled scoring just 15 points on 6-for-20 shooting. Morris Peterson led the Raptors with 22 points while Alvin Williams had 18 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. For the Knicks, Latrell Sprewell and Allan Houston came up big. Houston led all scorers with 34 points on 13-for-22 shooting and Sprewell chipped in with 21 points.
The Raptors will need to wait before they get a chance to pick up their first ever win on Christmas. Hopefully, they will get another holiday game in the near future.
Tom Thibodeau praises RJ Barrett
RJ Barrett has seen a drastic improvement in his game since being traded to Toronto.
Barrett’s former coach Tom Thibodeau spoke about him before the Toronto Raptors took on the New York Knicks and he had nothing but high praise for the 24-year-old.
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