Toronto Raptors secured a thrilling 104-101 comeback victory against the Golden State Warriors, a rare highlight in an otherwise challenging season. The win offers a glimpse of potential for a young team focused on building a strong foundation for future success. This narrative resonates with Golden State coach Steve Kerr, who navigated a similar period of rebuilding with the Warriors during the 2019-20 season.
Toronto's 104-101 comeback victory over Golden State on Monday, a rare bright spot in a forgettable season for the Raptors, can help build a foundation for a team with an eye on the future. This approach is familiar to Golden State coach Steve Kerr , who guided powerhouse Warriors teams for years before an unusual down year in 2019-20. That campaign mirrored the current Raptors' season in some ways, with significant injuries to star players and extended losing streaks.
The Warriors endured a 15-50 freefall, landing them at the bottom of the Western Conference. When things were bleak, Kerr emphasized maintaining a strong team culture, even amidst accumulating losses. 'If we could keep the culture of development, work and joy and take something out of what was a difficult situation without kind of giving in, that would be valuable,' he said in a pre-game availability. Golden State eventually bounced back, reaching the play-in round in 2021 before winning a championship the next year. Kerr noted that several players persevered through that 2019-20 valley and flourished when the team became a contender again. 'I think it did pay off because we had some young players, guys like Jordan Poole (now with the Wizards) who were struggling through that year but gained valuable experience and really helped us win a lot of games — and a championship — a few years later,' Kerr said. This period is crucial for the Raptors, who are building on a young core anchored by Scottie Barnes, R.J. Barrett, Gradey Dick, and Immanuel Quickley. Barnes led Toronto with 23 points on Monday night, while Chris Boucher of Montreal scored 17 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter. Boucher set up Ochai Agbaji for a dunk with 39.8 seconds remaining, giving Toronto a three-point lead. Golden State's Buddy Hield attempted a deep three-pointer at the buzzer but missed. Quickley, who missed 22 games (right elbow) before returning to the lineup on New Year's Day, was scratched due to left hip soreness. He has played only nine games this season. 'He's disappointed that he cannot go out there and have continuity with the group and play,' said Toronto head coach Darko Rajakovic. 'But hopefully this is nothing long-term.' The Raptors, who improved to 9-31, are on pace to finish slightly better than the franchise's all-time worst mark of 16-66 in 1997-98. The poor record, if it continues, will at least result in a solid draft pick this spring. Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper are considered early favorites to headline the 2025 NBA Draft class. Toronto entered play with the third-worst record in the league. The draft lottery is scheduled for May 12
NBA Toronto Raptors Golden State Warriors Scottie Barnes Steve Kerr Draft Young Players Team Culture Comeback Victory
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Raptors intend to halt slide against ailing WarriorsToronto has lost 16 of their past 17, while Golden State lost in Indiana on Friday
Read more »
Raptors Outlast Warriors in Thrilling FinishOchai Agbaji's late-game heroics lead the Toronto Raptors to a hard-fought victory over the Golden State Warriors, snapping their five-game losing streak.
Read more »
Raptors Rally Past Warriors in Thrilling FinishOchai Agbaji's clutch scoring and Chris Boucher's all-around performance propel Toronto to a 104-101 victory over Golden State, ending a five-game losing streak.
Read more »
Raptors End Losing Streak with Thrilling Victory Over WarriorsThe Toronto Raptors defeated the Golden State Warriors in a close contest, ending their five-game losing streak. Ochai Agbaji's clutch performances in the fourth quarter proved instrumental in securing the victory.
Read more »
Raptors' Comeback Victory Over Warriors Offers Glimpse of Future PromiseToronto Raptors secure a hard-fought victory against the Golden State Warriors, highlighting the team's potential despite a challenging season.
Read more »
Blue State vs. Red State: A Personal ExperienceA recent move from a red state to a blue state has led to a stark contrast in the author's experience. The author describes feeling unsafe and harassed in the red state, while finding the blue state to be incredibly welcoming and safe.
Read more »