Brandon Ingram makes powerful return in Raptors debut
The Toronto Raptors faced off against the Denver Nuggets in a preseason matchup on Monday night, ultimately falling short in the game. However, the real narrative of the evening centered around one pivotal figure: Brandon Ingram.
After an extensive layoff of 303 days, Ingram stepped onto the court wearing a Raptors jersey for the first time, marking a significant milestone in his career. His last NBA appearance had been on December 12, 2024, when a high-ankle sprain sidelined him for the remainder of the previous season.
Ingram’s Impressive Performance
Ingram wasted no time making an impact. In just 22 minutes of play, he poured in 19 points, shooting 6-for-12 from the field and an impressive 6-for-7 from the free-throw line. His performance demonstrated that he had not lost his touch, showcasing his well-known scoring abilities even after such a long hiatus.
“Brandon seemed mostly unbothered and flashed enough skill that you can’t wait to see what it looks like when it’s not his first NBA game in 303 days,” noted an observer. His early drive to the basket drew a foul, and shortly after, he sank a three-pointer off a screen. Later in the first quarter, he skillfully maneuvered around Nuggets wing Cam Johnson on a drive to the hoop, highlighting his offensive versatility.
The Role of Ingram in the Raptors’ Strategy
As the Raptors navigate this season, Ingram’s contributions will be essential. He is widely regarded as one of the best halfcourt scorers in the league, capable of creating scoring opportunities from seemingly impossible situations. This skill set will be invaluable as Toronto aims to maximize its high-cost starting lineup and reach its full potential.
Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic expressed his enthusiasm for Ingram’s return, stating, “I was just really, really happy for him that he has the chance to play and compete and be with his teammates after such a long layoff. He’s so talented, not just to score the ball, but how he positions himself on the court — he had one great cut in the first half — he’s an enormous talent piece on the floor.”
Looking Ahead
Ingram’s appearance on October 6 provides a promising signal for the Raptors as they prepare for the regular season. With ample time to ramp up his game, the team is optimistic about their chances when they open the season against the Atlanta Hawks on October 22. Ingram’s readiness to contribute will be a crucial factor in the Raptors’ pursuit of success this year.
