TORONTO – It’s time for the Toronto Raptors to make their drive to the playoffs.
Brandon Ingram had a game-high 34 factors as Toronto upset the Detroit Pistons 119-108 on Sunday, the Raptors second win in a row after a 122-115 victory over the Phoenix Suns two days earlier. Ingram, who compiled 70 factors within the two wins, stated Toronto’s improved play is true on schedule.
“I believe it’s round that point for issues to begin clicking defensively, offensively,” stated Ingram, acknowledging that the Raptors had misplaced 4 of their final 5 video games. “We went by means of a little bit tough patch these earlier video games, however we discovered it.
“We had some conversations. Our communication on the ground has been good, and we’ve been capable of battle again once we’ve been down and keep collectively. So, you already know, it’s constructing.”
The win over Phoenix was the primary piece of the inspiration, because it was Toronto’s first victory over an opponent with a successful report because the Raptors beat the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder 103-101 on Jan. 25, a span of 19 video games. The Detroit win improved the Raptors’ report in opposition to the highest 10 groups within the NBA to 4-19.
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Ingram was requested if the 2 victories will quiet criticism of Toronto’s efficiency in opposition to contenders.
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“For certain, however outdoors noise is outdoors noise, no matter opinion they’ve about us, that’s cool,” stated Ingram. “We proceed to battle, attempt to be the very best we are able to on each single time that we play and dwell with the consequence.”
The back-to-back wins moved the Raptors (38-29) again as much as sixth within the Jap Convention standings after a couple of days sitting seventh, atop the play-in bracket. Beating the first-place Pistons on Sunday put Toronto 10 video games again of Detroit however, extra importantly, half a sport forward of the Miami Warmth.
“We actually wished to set the tone with our physicality, doesn’t matter who the opponent is,” stated head coach Darko Rajakovic. “I’ve utmost respect for Detroit, I believe they’re a championship-calibre workforce.
“You’ve obtained to set a tone, to not reply to what they do on the court docket.”
A significant piece of Toronto’s temporary resurgence is that RJ Barrett of Mississauga, Ont., and Jakob Poeltl are each totally wholesome once more.
Barrett had 27 factors and 6 rebounds in opposition to the Pistons, whereas Poeltl and Scottie Barnes every had a double-double.
Poeltl completed with 21 factors and a season-high 18 rebounds, whereas Barnes added 14 factors and pulled down 10 boards.
“Physique felt actually recent. I don’t realize it’s a protracted season, like generally you simply get up, you are feeling a little bit funky and different days you are feeling nice,” stated Poeltl, who has missed 35 video games this season with a sore decrease again. “It’s troublesome to determine why some days are simply higher than others.”
Barrett missed 15 video games after he sprained his proper knee in November. Rajakovic stated now that Barrett’s wholesome he can get extra concerned defensively.
“We’re preaching that to him there isn’t a bodily attribute that he doesn’t have, that he’s not able to guarding one by means of 4 of anyone within the league,” stated Rajakovic. “He’s simply having that grit and mindset of doing it over and again and again.
“He confirmed us in moments that he’s able to doing it, however these days he’s doing it in for much longer, durations of time, and that’s actually serving to the workforce to win.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first printed March 15, 2026.
© 2026 The Canadian Press
