Raptors Keep Coming Up Short in Loss to 76ers
The game began ideally for the Raptors. They started strong with accurate shooting—Quickley nailed three quick triples—while Scottie Barnes battled Joel Embiid effectively. Ochai Agbaji stepped into the starting lineup for the injured Jakob Poeltl.
The 76ers, dressed in their classic Iverson-era black jerseys and playing on a matching court, kept pace and even took a slim 17–15 lead after the first stretch. Trendon Watford was active early, posting seven points and grabbing two offensive rebounds, taking advantage of defensive lapses against him.
Philadelphia maintained solid rhythm by getting Tyrese Maxey—the NBA’s leading scorer—the ball repeatedly, keeping their offense fluid. The Raptors answered with back-to-back threes from Shead and another from Barrett, allowing them to surge ahead.
When Sandro Mamukelashvili came in, Maxey found more size to attack, but the Raptors’ ball movement improved notably. Ten of their first eleven baskets came via assists, a reflection of their sharp offensive execution.
Collin Murray-Boyles joined the rotation early and immediately impressed. He brought defensive energy, disrupted Oubre Jr. in transition, applied ball pressure, rolled effectively to the rim, and made quick, smart passes when needed. The adjusted lineup clearly gave Toronto’s bench a different rhythm and intensity.
“Ten of their first eleven baskets came via assists, a reflection of their sharp offensive execution.”
Author’s Summary
Despite a promising, fluid start and improved bench energy, Toronto’s strong teamwork and ball movement couldn’t secure them a win against a steady 76ers squad.