Raptors Look to Seal Back-to-Back Wins as Hawks Return to Toronto
The Toronto Raptors are right back at it tonight, hosting the Atlanta Hawks for the second time in three days, and the goal is clear — keep the momentum rolling and lock in another statement win. This rare back-to-back home matchup against the same opponent is a first for Toronto this season, and it’s coming at a time when the Raptors are starting to look confident, connected, and dangerous again.
The tone for this mini-series was set over the weekend, when Toronto pulled away late to beat Atlanta 134–117 in their first game of 2026. That win wasn’t just about the final score. It was about how it happened. After entering the fourth quarter with a slim one-point lead, the Raptors flipped a switch. A dominant 16–0 run to open the final frame completely changed the game, and Atlanta was never able to recover. That defensive lockdown has been seen more frequently lately, and it’s been a major reason why Toronto has climbed back into form.
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Offensively, the spotlight was shared. Brandon Ingram and RJ Barrett each poured in 29 points, while Sandro Mamukelashvili quietly made a big impact off the bench with a double-double. Barrett, still working under a minutes restriction after missing over a month with a knee injury, continues to show just how important he is to this group. With him in the lineup, the Raptors simply look like a different team — scoring more efficiently, moving the ball better, and playing with purpose on the offensive end. His season-high performance against Atlanta was a reminder of how much his presence changes the flow of the game.
Defensively, Toronto has been closing games at an elite level. Over the past several outings, opponents have been held to remarkably low fourth-quarter scoring totals, and that trend has helped erase memories of a rough stretch late last month. The Raptors now sit at 21–15, firmly planted near the top of the Eastern Conference standings, and belief has clearly been restored.
On the other side, Atlanta comes in searching for answers. The Hawks have struggled this season and continue to play without Trae Young, who remains sidelined with a quad injury. Interestingly, Atlanta has managed to stay competitive without him, thanks largely to the breakout season of Nickeil Alexander-Walker. The Toronto native has embraced a larger role, posting career-best numbers and emerging as a reliable scoring option night after night.
Still, the challenge tonight will be significant. Toronto has already shown it can out-execute Atlanta when it matters most. If the Raptors bring the same defensive intensity and balanced scoring again, another win could very well be sealed — and a statement about where this team is headed may be made loud and clear.
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