Raptors

The scoring came from diverse areas, both in terms of players and in terms of regions; Chris Boucher and Armoni Brooks combined for 23 points while hitting ...

That comfortable familiarity is starting to extend to an area that has been a weakness for the Raptors: bench play. But the bench is starting to figure the whole thing out. He’s the height of a big with the weight of and desire to play like a guard. Not so for these Raptors. Their bench scoring is going to come from different players and in different plays. He has played the small forward in Toronto’s transitional lineups, letting Achiuwa and Boucher take the vast majority of on-ball screening reps. “It’s the willingness to take the shot,” said Nick Nurse of the value of Brooks’ spacing. Young shot four of six and dished his usual helping of dimes (two), as he was far more effective playing his usual role in the offense. Plus, he may be Toronto’s best shooter off the bench — he hit two against Cleveland — and his reputation there earns Toronto some vital space. Boucher is Toronto’s version of a sparkplug initiator, and like the the Raptors themselves, he’s unique. His highlight against Cleveland was a chasedown block in transition — he may be a point guard by trade, but his wingspan is the ideal-for-the-Raptors six-foot-nine, so he’s comfortable leaping with the best of them. Against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the bench worked about as well as it’s going to. In fact, since 2011-12 only one non-sparkplug initiator has won the Sixth Man of the Year award — Montrezl Harrell in 2019-20.

Through 65 games, Barnes is averaging 15.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.2 steals on 48.7 percent shooting from the field. Among rookies, he ranks ...

In a win over the Nuggets a week earlier, he dished out a career-high 10 assists. In Toronto's important win over Cleveland on Thursday, the Raptors rookie did a little bit of everything to the tune of 11 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals in 35 minutes of play. Through 65 games, Barnes is averaging 15.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.2 steals on 48.7 percent shooting from the field.

With nine games left in the regular season, Raptors forward Pascal Siakam understands the importance and responsibility of being ready for the postseason ...

Toronto Raptors shooting guard Gary Trent Jr. (toe) is considered questionable for Saturday versus the Indiana Pacers, per head coach Nick Nurse.

- Raptors' OG Anunoby (quad) questionable for TuesdayApril 4th, 2022 - Jonas Valanciunas (ankle) questionable for Pelicans TuesdayApril 4th, 2022 Trent missed the last two games, but he participated in practice on Friday and might be able to return for Saturday's contest.

Trent Jr. has been suffering from a hyperextended left toe, but was able to participate in a light practice Friday and while providing updates, head coach Nick ...

The Raptors had both Gary Trent Jr. and Malachi Flynn back at practice on Friday morning, but neither could be confirmed for Saturday's game against the Indiana Pacers. The Raptors had both Gary Trent Jr. and Malachi Flynn back at practice on Friday morning, but neither could be confirmed for Saturday's game against the Indiana Pacers. Trent Jr. has been suffering from a hyperextended left toe, but was able to participate in a light practice Friday and while providing updates, head coach Nick Nurse said he considered the 23-year-old "questionable."

It was the kind of sign that had to have every Raptors fan out there breathing a little easier.

“It’s not even close,” VanVleet said. I didn’t like the way I was looking on TV, I know I’m better than that.” “It feels good to just know that you’re getting better each year in different ways.” Article content Article content Article content