Not good enough. That’s what Darko Rajaković said. Scottie Barnes said it. But the results still aren’t matching the urgency they keep talking about. The Raptors have now dropped four straight games after a 139-121 defeat to the Rockets, falling to 1-4 on the season in a stretch that has been equal parts disappointing and dumbfounding.
They entered this season with an identity: work harder than your opponent, defend harder, just play harder. Even if the offence wasn’t clicking, the defence was supposed to keep them in games. That’s a good identity. Defence wins championships, right? Only so far? It’s been the exact opposite.
Offensively, the Raptors actually looked decent. Scottie Barnes dropped 31, Brandon Ingram had 29, and they got other contributions behind them. But on the defensive end? They were nothing short of awful.
It has to change. Last night the Raptors shot 50 % from the field and 52 % from three-point range — and the game still wasn’t close. Rajaković didn’t sugar-coat it when he said the Rockets “manhandled us” inside the paint and on the glass.
The rebounding numbers tell the story: the Rockets outrebounded Toronto by 31 (53-22) and dominated second-chance points, fast break points and interior buckets. All the things the Raptors said they’d avoid? They fell into full-tilt.
They were also without Jakob Poeltl last night, and his absence hurt. But the expectations have changed for this roster. This is a season where excuses will not be accepted. The Raptors have the talent to turn this around — but if they don’t, changes won’t just be optional, they’ll be inevitable.
Because make no mistake: this loss was not a fluke — it was a statement. On the night they needed to show growth, the Raptors looked smaller, softer and less prepared than ever. The identity they’ve been chasing? It faded. The compete level they promised? It vanished. If this team truly wants to be a contender, consistency must stop being a hope and become the standard. They’ve got the talent, now they must match it.
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