Toronto Raptors endure buzzer-beater heartbreak against the Denver Nuggets
The Toronto Raptors faced a tough defeat on home soil, falling 106-103 to the Denver Nuggets at Scotiabank Arena. This loss marks the first setback for the Raptors during their five-game homestand, where they previously secured narrow victories against both the Golden State Warriors and Orlando Magic. The game was tightly contested, and it ended in heartbreak for Toronto as an apparent buzzer-beater three-pointer from Brandon Ingram was overturned by officials, leaving the Raptors with a bitter taste of what might have been.
Key Numbers from the Game
As the Raptors reflect on the close call, here are five critical statistics that stand out from the box score of the matchup against the Nuggets.
11 – Ochai Agbaji’s minutes
Despite starting the game, Raptors forward Ochai Agbaji played only 11 minutes, going 0-for-2 from the field. His performance raises questions about his role in the starting lineup, especially with rookie forward Collin Murray-Boyles emerging as a viable option. Murray-Boyles recorded a +12 in the box score, while Agbaji finished at -5, suggesting a shift may be necessary as the Raptors look for consistency.
12 – Raptors’ bench points
The Raptors’ bench production was notably lacking in this contest. After a strong showing with 50 bench points against the Magic, they only managed to contribute 12 points against the Nuggets. Six of those came from Murray-Boyles, while Jamison Battle, Jamal Shead, and Ja’Kobe Walter each tallied just two points. This lack of scoring depth proved costly, highlighting the team’s reliance on their starters and the need for bench players to step up.
27 – Raptors’ assists
On a brighter note, Toronto displayed solid ball movement throughout the game, racking up 27 assists on 37 made field goals. Scottie Barnes led the charge with 10 assists, while Jamal Shead added five. This collaborative effort in distributing the ball indicates that when the Raptors share the rock, they can create scoring opportunities, but they must pair this with better shooting to convert those chances.
30 – Brandon Ingram’s points
Brandon Ingram shone for the Nuggets, scoring 30 points on the night. Had his last-second shot been allowed, that number would have reached 33. This performance marks Ingram’s fourth game this season with at least 30 points, showcasing his offensive prowess and ability to deliver in clutch moments. His scoring was instrumental in securing the win for Denver.
37 – Raptors’ shooting percentage
The Raptors finished the night shooting a mere 37 percent from the field, connecting on 37 of their 100 attempts. This lackluster shooting performance ultimately hindered their chances of securing a victory. To compete effectively within the competitive landscape of the Eastern Conference, improvements in shooting efficiency are essential.
The Raptors will need to regroup and address these issues as they continue their homestand, aiming to bounce back and regain momentum in their pursuit of success this season.
