The Toronto Raptors have won three games in a row for the first time this season after defeating the Atlanta Hawks 117-94.
Improved defense
The Raptors have been getting after it on the defensive end. It was another solid effort from them holding the Hawks to 94 points. The Raptors’ defense has done a complete 180, holding their opponents to 105.7 points on 50.8 effective field goal percentage in the last 6 games, per TSN’s Keerthika Uthayakumar. Raptors’ opponents are scoring 40.6 points on 51.5 percent shooting in the paint over the last 6 per Keerthika. This is impressive because the Thunder are first in the NBA in opponent paint points, allowing 43.1. The team’s defensive turnaround can be attributed to the overall effort level being high. Players are buying in on that end of the floor and the results are starting to show.
Scottie Barnes impressive two-way play
Barnes has led by example with his defense. The 23-year old has been playing some of his best basketball over the Raptors’ most recent stretch of games. He finished with a team-high 24 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 blocks and 2 assists in the win. Barnes is averaging 20.8 points on 55.4 true shooting percentage, 8.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists through 12 games in January. With the Raptors winning, it’s been great seeing Barnes locked in and setting the tone with his strong play.
Raptors are rolling
Don’t look now but the Raptors are starting to turn the corner. The team has won three games in a row for the first time since Feb. 2024. They have won 5 of their last 6 games and are now 6-6 in January. The Raptors defense and their bench play have been big reasons for their turnaround. Toronto’s bench had another strong showing against the Hawks thanks to Chris Boucher’s 23 points. Bruce Brown and Kelly Olynyk have had their moments from off the bench too. With the trade deadline fast approaching, the Raptors have a chance to be sellers which in turn will make them worse. However, for now the team looks motivated to keep on winning.
Next on tap
The Raptors will try to make it 4 wins in a row when they return home to host the New Orleans Pelicans on Jan. 27.
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