Short-handed Raptors Fall to Grizzlies Despite Fourth-Quarter Push

Toronto played its second straight game without Kawhi Leonard, Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley, and fell to 5-5 after the 118-102 defeat. The Raptors trailed by six at halftime, then opened the fourth quarter with a 9-2 run that brought them within a point with 10 minutes left. Memphis pulled away from there.

Turnovers and transition defense proved costly. Toronto had 18 turnovers to Memphis’ 14, but the Grizzlies scored 26 points off Toronto’s mistakes, compared with 16 points for the Raptors off Memphis turnovers. Memphis also scored 12 fast-break points, while Toronto had four.

Toronto shot 34% from three-point range, an improvement on its 31.5% mark entering the game, which ranked fourth-worst in the league. Jamison Battle made five of 11 three-point attempts, while Jamal Shead went four for 10 and Ja’Kobe Walter made two of seven.

Jakob Poeltl led the Raptors’ interior scoring with 18 points on 75% shooting. Shead, starting at point guard in Quickley’s absence, recorded his second straight double-double. The close stretch offered signs of resilience, but Toronto could not complete a second consecutive comeback. Coach Darko will need to address the team’s transition struggles as the Raptors look to improve their play.