The Toronto Raptors let a golden opportunity slip through their fingers on Friday night, falling 121-117 in overtime to a Los Angeles Clippers squad missing its biggest star. Despite the absence of former Raptor Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers leaned on the legendary James Harden to steal a victory at Scotiabank Arena.
Harden's Heroics Seal Fate in Crunch Time
With the game on the line, James Harden reminded everyone why he's a former MVP. The veteran guard single-handedly went on a 12-0 run spanning the end of the fourth quarter and into overtime, completely shifting the momentum. Harden finished the night with 31 points and 10 assists, dominating when it mattered most.
Toronto had multiple chances to secure the win. They could have iced the game in regulation, but Clippers defender Kris Dunn shut down Brandon Ingram. The Raptors then escaped a last-second loss when rookie Jamal Shead played exceptional defense, forcing Harden into a missed isolation shot at the buzzer to send the game to an extra period.
Scottie Barnes tried to will his team to victory in overtime, but Harden had an answer for every basket. The Raptors' offence went completely cold at the worst possible time, failing to score from the 3:35 mark in the fourth quarter until 3:21 remained in overtime, missing nine consecutive shots.
Silver Linings for Toronto's Future
Despite the disappointing result, several young Raptors provided significant reasons for optimism. Facing one of the oldest rosters in NBA history, Toronto's youngest players stepped up in a major way.
Jamal Shead, 23, was arguably Toronto's best player on the court. He set a new career-high with 13 assists, drew crucial offensive fouls—including a pivotal one on Harden late—and was a defensive pest all night.
Rookie Collin Murray-Boyles, just 20 years old, showcased his unique and growing skillset. While his offensive numbers were quiet, he made his presence felt with two monstrous blocked shots, an incredible pass, and versatile multi-position defense. His basketball IQ and physical tools were on full display, hinting at a formidable future once he fully adjusts to the NBA.
Gradey Dick Finds a Rhythm
In a season of struggles, third-year wing Gradey Dick provided a much-needed spark. After a strong performance against Indiana earlier in the week, Dick carried that momentum into Friday's contest. He was quiet in the first half but came alive in the third and fourth quarters, finishing with three made three-pointers and multiple hustle plays that energized the team.
Head coach Darko Rajakovic had spoken before the game about the difficult transition for young players like Dick, who go from being "the man" in college to finding a new role in the NBA. Rajakovic emphasized the need for patience, humility, and focusing on controllable efforts like defense and rebounding. Dick's energetic performance against the Clippers was a positive step in that process.
The Raptors were also severely shorthanded, playing without starters Jakob Poeltl, Immanuel Quickley, and R.J. Barrett, along with Ja'Kobe Walter and Jamison Battle. Leonard joined fellow superstars Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic in missing their only scheduled trip to Toronto this season.
While the loss stings—especially after leading after the first, second, and third quarters—the Raptors can take solace in the development of their young core. The performances of Shead, Murray-Boyles, and a resurgent Dick offer a glimpse of a promising foundation, even on a night where a veteran superstar like James Harden proved to be the difference.
