Crystal Pouncey
Jan 02, 2024 - 09:35

Barrett Quickley lead new-look Raptors to 124-121 win over Cavaliers

"Toronto Raptors hold on to beat Cleveland Cavaliers 124-121 after squandering a 19-point lead. RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley shine in debut."

The Toronto Raptors came out victorious in a thrilling game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, with Pascal Siakam leading the way with an impressive 36-point performance. Despite squandering a 19-point lead, the Raptors managed to hold on for a 124-121 win.

In their first start for the Raptors, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, who were recently acquired from the Knicks in a trade, made an immediate impact. Barrett, a Toronto native, received a warm welcome from the sellout crowd and contributed 19 points and nine rebounds, while Quickley added 14 points, including a 3-pointer to open the scoring for the Raptors.

Scottie Barnes and Dennis Schroder also played key roles in the Raptors' victory, with Barnes scoring 20 points and Schroder adding 12 off the bench. The win was particularly important for Toronto, as it came after a disappointing loss to the Detroit Pistons, who snapped a 28-game losing streak.

On the Cavaliers' side, Caris LeVert and Donovan Mitchell led the charge with 31 and 26 points, respectively. Despite their efforts, the Cavaliers fell short, with Isaac Okoro, Jarrett Allen, and Sam Merrill each contributing 16 points in the losing effort.

The game came down to the wire, with Okoro and Mitchell missing crucial 3-point shots in the final minute of the fourth quarter. The Cavaliers, who have been dealing with injuries to key players Evan Mobley and Darius Garland, fought hard but ultimately couldn't secure the win.

In the end, Toronto's strong performance and resilience paid off, as they managed to regain the lead and hold on for the win. The game was a testament to the Raptors' determination and ability to overcome adversity, and it was a well-deserved victory for the team.

The win was a much-needed boost for the Raptors, who showed that they have what it takes to compete at a high level, even in the face of adversity. With their new additions making an immediate impact and the team coming together to secure the win, the future looks promising for the Toronto Raptors.