The Raptors continue to make the difference in rebounding
Faced with Raptorsthe Magic nevertheless took the meeting in the right direction. Orlando built a 21-point lead in the second quarter before suffering a serious setback at the worst possible time.
When Paolo Banchero serves Anthony Black, the Floridians are still up ten points with seven minutes left. The problem: Behind, the Magic will score just two extra shots…
Conversely, Toronto gained momentum and saw a game-changing man: Colin Murray-Boyles. Like Scotty Barnes the day before against the Warriorsthe rookie rules the roost, especially in “money time.” He made 6 of his 12 catches in the fourth quarter, including several offensive plays that gave possession and, most of all, breath to the Raptors’ comeback.
In the closing seconds, Scotty Barnes eventually gave his team the lead at the free throw line, while Paolo Banchero was unable to answer the buzzer.
“The game is not about the last shot”, Jamal Mosley recallsMagic’s coach. “What made the difference were the 21 offensive rebounds and 18 second-chance points the Raptors got when the momentum shifted. Colin Murray-Boyles came back and turned the game in his favor. He grabbed seven offensive rebounds. Those were big plays for him.”
Youth takes over
Buoyed by a 23-12 fourth quarter, Toronto finally took the win (107-106), despite the complicated performance of its seeds, such as 7/22. Brandon Ingram.
The Raptors actually mostly won with their bench. In addition to Collin Murray-Boyles’ 12 rebounds, Jamal Sheed scored 19 points, while Grady Dick added 15…in just twelve minutes during the first half.
“They work hard, win or lose”underlines Darko Rajaković. “They are very professional, they prepare every match properly and go forward. I love the way they play together. They have to bring energy every night, that is essential for these young players.”
With this success, Toronto continues and in any case ensures that it finishes in the Top 4 in the East in 2025.
2025-12-30 10:21:00
