Two in a row. Momentum is real — and the Raptors finally have some of it.
Toronto took care of business Sunday night, defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 117–104 for their first set of back-to-back wins this season. It wasn’t flashy, but it was composed, confident, and the kind of complete effort this team needs to keep replicating.
RJ Barrett led the way with 27 points, continuing to show why his steady aggression has become the heartbeat of this offense. Brandon Ingram added 26 with his trademark composure, while Scottie Barnes turned in another all-around gem — 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists — doing a bit of everything, as he always does. Rookie Collin Murray-Boyles chipped in 15 in what was his best performance yet.
The Raptors played with pace and purpose, outscoring the Grizzlies 25–11 on the fast break and controlling the game nearly wire-to-wire. They opened the third quarter on an 8–0 run, closed it on a 7–0 burst, and never looked back. Even with the three-point shot still misfiring (11-for-37), effort and execution carried them through.
Defensively, Toronto held firm. Barnes anchored a unit that continues to show flashes of genuine versatility when locked in. Despite being without Jakob Poeltl again (sore back), they controlled the paint and finished with seven blocks — five from Barnes himself.
Yes, Memphis was short-handed — Ja Morant was out following a one-game suspension, and the Grizzlies looked disjointed at times. But after a four-game losing streak that tested Toronto’s patience and identity, these past two games have reminded everyone of what this team is capable of — and what they’re building toward.
The early questions about whether Barnes, Ingram, and Barrett could truly fit together are starting to fade. They’re not just coexisting — they’re thriving. They’re feeding off each other, creating space for one another, and playing to their strengths in harmony. That alone is a major step forward for this team’s vision.
These two wins were a strong start, but they came against short-handed opponents. Tuesday’s matchup with the Bucks will offer a true test — a chance to prove this progress is real. For now, though, Raptors fans can breathe again, dream again, and believe again.
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