Raptors Rally Past Hawks in NBA Cup Opener
Brandon Ingram led the Toronto Raptors with 20 points as they rallied to beat the Atlanta Hawks 109-97 on Friday night in NBA Cup play at State Farm Arena.
Toronto overcame a 13-point deficit in the second quarter, taking the lead 82-81 midway through the fourth after a Scottie Barnes layup.
“Immanuel Quickley’s key 3-pointer made it 85-81, triggering a decisive run that sealed the win,”
RJ Barrett added 19 points, while Quickley finished with 18. Barnes posted a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. The Raptors shot 40.7% from the field and 31.6% from beyond the arc.
Atlanta’s Performance
The Hawks were paced by Jalen Johnson with 21 points, Nickeil Alexander-Walker with 20, and Kristaps Porzingis with 17. Atlanta struggled offensively, hitting only 23.7% of its 3-point attempts.
The team played without All-Star guard Trae Young, sidelined with a sprained right MCL, and dropped to 1-1 in their NBA Cup campaign.
Toronto’s Momentum
Following this win, Toronto has captured back-to-back NBA Cup victories and four overall for the season, bouncing back from an earlier four-game skid. Their strong rebounding effort — 48 total boards, including 23 offensive — proved decisive.
“Barnes’ late layup and Quickley’s clutch shot defined the Raptors’ comeback momentum,”
Team Stats Summary
- Raptors: 40.7% FG, 31.6% 3PT, 48 rebounds (23 offensive)
- Hawks: 23.7% 3PT, led by Johnson (21 pts), Alexander-Walker (20 pts), Porzingis (17 pts)
Author’s summary: Toronto overcame a sluggish start with strong rebounding and clutch shooting to outlast an undermanned Atlanta squad in NBA Cup play.