RJ Barrett delivered an impressive performance, scoring a season-high 29 points, as the Toronto Raptors triumphed over the Atlanta Hawks with a score of 134-117 on Saturday night. This victory marks the first of two consecutive matchups between the teams.
In addition to Barrett’s standout showing, Brandon Ingram matched his 29 points, with Scottie Barnes contributing 20 points and Immanuel Quickley adding 15. The Raptors have now established a solid record against the Hawks, winning five straight encounters. Sandro Mamukelashvili also made a significant impact with a double-double, netting 13 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and dishing out a career-high eight assists.
The Raptors entered the fourth quarter with a slim one-point lead but quickly pulled ahead, launching a decisive 16-0 run to establish a commanding 123-106 advantage with just over seven minutes remaining. Toronto continues to excel in late-game situations, boasting a 17-1 record this season when leading at the start of the fourth quarter.
The Hawks struggled offensively to start the final period, missing six consecutive field-goal attempts before Nickeil Alexander-Walker finally broke the drought with a three-pointer with 6:49 left in the game. Alexander-Walker led the Hawks with 31 points, while Jalen Johnson scored 30 and Dyson Daniels recorded a robust performance with 20 points and 12 assists.
Despite a strong defensive effort in their previous game, where they held the New York Knicks to fewer than 100 points, the Hawks’ defense faltered against the Raptors. Atlanta has allowed over 125 points in each of their last ten losses, highlighting ongoing challenges on the defensive end.
Ingram showcased exceptional shooting, hitting 11 of his 15 attempts from the field, including one from beyond the arc, and converting all six of his free-throw attempts. The Hawks saw contributions from Vit Krejci and Keaton Wallace, who scored 13 and 11 points, respectively.
Notably, Atlanta was without Trae Young, who missed his fourth consecutive game due to a bruised right quadriceps. Toronto’s Jakob Poeltl was also sidelined, missing his sixth straight contest due to back issues.
The two teams are set to square off again on Monday night in Toronto, providing the Raptors an opportunity to extend their winning streak and for the Hawks to bounce back from this defeat. The upcoming rematch promises to be an exciting continuation of this competitive series.