The Toronto Raptors' hopes for a dramatic New Year's Eve comeback were dashed in the final second after a video review nullified a would-be game-tying shot, sealing a 112-109 defeat to the Denver Nuggets at Scotiabank Arena.
Heartbreak at the Buzzer
With just seconds remaining on the clock and the Raptors down by three points, guard Dyson Ingram launched a deep three-point attempt as time expired. The shot initially appeared to go through the net, sending a surge of excitement through the home crowd. However, the on-court officials immediately signalled for a review to determine if Ingram had released the ball before the game clock hit zero.
After a tense several minutes reviewing the replay, the officials determined that the ball was still in Ingram's hands when the red light around the backboard illuminated, signalling the end of the game. The basket was overturned, and the Nuggets were awarded the victory. The final score stood at 112-109 for Denver, handing Toronto a tough loss to close out the calendar year of 2025.
Nuggets Hold Off Furious Raptors Rally
The game, played on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, saw the defending champion Nuggets control large portions of the contest, building a lead that stretched into double digits. Denver's star guard Jamal Murray was a central figure, navigating the Toronto defense and creating opportunities for himself and his teammates. A key moment captured by The Canadian Press showed Murray maneuvering around Raptors forward RJ Barrett during the first half.
Toronto, however, refused to go quietly. Led by a resilient effort from their core players, the Raptors chipped away at the deficit throughout the fourth quarter, setting the stage for the frantic final possession that ended in controversy and disappointment.
What This Means for Toronto
The loss adds another chapter to a challenging season for the Raptors, highlighting the thin margins between victory and defeat in the NBA. While the overturned call is a brutal way to lose, the team's ability to fight back against one of the league's elite squads provides a silver lining. The focus now shifts to correcting late-game execution and finding ways to close out tight contests as they move forward in the 2025-26 season.
The game will be remembered for its dramatic conclusion, a stark reminder of how modern replay technology can instantly swing emotions from elation to despair. The Raptors must regroup quickly as they turn the page to 2026.
