Travel taking a toll on Toronto Raptors

TORONTO – The Toronto Raptors are feeling the effects of a grueling 82-game season and constant travel.

Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 22 points, six rebounds, and six assists in a disappointing 123-89 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday. Coming off a four-game West Coast trip, the team immediately headed to Washington, D.C., for a game against the Wizards on Monday, the first of two consecutive away games.

“They came out strong and dominated us,” Barnes commented on the Spurs’ performance. “But we have another game tomorrow, and that’s the beauty of the NBA.

“We have a chance to bounce back and prove ourselves again.”

Barnes achieved a career milestone on Sunday, reaching 2,000 rebounds in just 267 games. He is now the fastest player in franchise history to surpass 2,000 rebounds and 1,000 assists.

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“I’m just trying to play to win, no matter what,” Barnes stated. “Every move I make on the court is geared towards winning, giving my best, and doing everything possible.”

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RJ Barrett, hailing from Mississauga, Ont., contributed 18 points and seven rebounds after missing three of the Raptors’ recent road games. Rookie Ja’Kobe Walter came off the bench to score 10 points after being sidelined for seven games due to a right hip flexor injury.

Head coach Darko Rajakovic acknowledged the challenge of managing practice time for his team, especially after playing against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco on Thursday night.

“It’s always tough coming back from a West Coast trip and playing that first home game,” Rajakovic explained. “We lacked energy tonight. We started slow, and the Spurs dictated the game both offensively and defensively.

“RJ returned after a week of absence, Ja’Kobe played his first game after a period of recovery, and those guys need to find their rhythm. We didn’t perform well tonight. We need to step up and I anticipate a much better showing tomorrow.”

With a record of 24-47, the Raptors currently have the seventh-worst record in the NBA. This gives them a 32 per cent chance of landing a top-four pick and a 7.5 per cent chance of securing the top overall pick in the NBA Draft lottery on May 12.

Meanwhile, Washington (15-55) shares a 52.1 per cent chance with the Utah Jazz and Charlotte Hornets of being in the top four draft picks, with a 14 per cent chance of claiming the No. 1 pick.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on March 23, 2025.

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