Raptors Rally Past Hawks to Stay Unbeaten in NBA Cup
The Toronto Raptors are on a roll, and their latest victory over the Atlanta Hawks on the road has only added to their momentum. into this matchup at State Farm Arena, the Raptors were riding a three-game winning streak and hoping to keep their early-season success alive. Fortunately for Toronto, the Hawks were facing some significant injury setbacks. Star point guard Trae Young was ruled out with a sprained MCL in his right knee, missing his fourth consecutive game, while sharpshooter Luke Kennard was listed as questionable due to illness. Additionally, Nikola Djurisic and two-way players Eli John Ndiaye and Jacob Toppin were unavailable, which meant the Raptors could exploit a depleted Atlanta roster.
Even without Trae Young, the Hawks are still a formidable team with players like Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Kristaps Porzingis, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker ready to step up. However, Toronto stayed composed, especially in the second half, despite struggling offensively against Atlanta’s length and speed for much of the night. The Raptors didn’t panic, and their patience paid off as they gradually wore down their opponents.
Also Read:A decisive fourth quarter changed the course of the game. The Raptors outscored the Hawks 36-20 in the final period, with contributions from all five starters and key bench players Sandro Mamukelashvili and Gradey Dick. Mamukelashvili, in particular, had a standout performance off the bench, scoring 12 points in 21 minutes and proving he is ready to earn his minutes. By the end, Toronto secured a 109-97 victory, marking their fourth straight win and improving their overall record to 5-4. The win also gave the Raptors a 2-0 record in the NBA Cup first-round group, placing them in control of their five-team group and putting them in a strong position to advance to the knockout stage.
While the Raptors are clearly enjoying their early success, coach Darko Rajakovic emphasized that there is still room to learn and grow. “When the season starts, you’re learning through games, you’re learning what other teams are doing, what’s working for our group, what’s not working,” he said. Toronto’s ability to stay composed, rely on teamwork, and execute in clutch moments shows that the team is developing the resilience needed to handle tough matchups.
Looking ahead, the Raptors are entering a critical stretch of Eastern Conference play, with a five-game road trip starting in Philadelphia. Early-season wins like this one may prove crucial in the tight playoff race down the line. For now, though, the Raptors are riding high, proving they can grind out victories and maintain their momentum even on the road against strong opponents.
Read More:
0 Comments