The Toronto Raptors' agonizing 121-117 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, January 16, 2026, stung, but it wasn't without a significant silver lining. Amid the defeat, a promising trend continued for third-year wing Gradey Dick, who strung together two impactful performances for just the second time this season.
A Spark of Confidence on the Court
Following a standout 21-point, 11-rebound effort in a win at Indiana on January 14, Dick backed it up with 15 points and 7 rebounds against the Clippers. Crucially, he connected on three three-pointers, marking the first time he'd hit that many from deep since early November. For a shooter whose season percentage had dipped below 30%, the sight of the ball going through the net was a welcome relief.
"Just continue to build my rhythm," Dick said post-game, but his contribution extended far beyond scoring. He was active defensively, diving for loose balls, making smart passes, and showing improved court awareness. Teammate Jamal Shead praised Dick's perseverance, noting he's maintained confidence in his shot while expanding his game.
"He's been taking the same shots that he's been taking all year, the same shots that he was taking and making last year," Shead observed. "He's finding new ways to impact winning. He's screening, he's rolling... I'm really excited for him going forward."
More Than Just a Shooter
Head coach Darko Rajakovic highlighted the connection between Dick's offensive success and his energy on the other end of the floor. "I thought that when he started making shots, his defence improved from that point as well," Rajakovic stated.
Dick himself emphasized focusing on other aspects of his play during shooting slumps. He's adopted a "no stress" mentality towards misses, relying on a shooter's short-term memory. More importantly, he's committed to competing with maximum effort, which often results in the hustle plays—like diving for loose balls—that energize the team and crowd.
"Those are some of the most fun plays," Dick explained. "You can feel the energy start to rise... and then once we get the possession, you finish it off, and the crowd goes crazy. It kind of just gives you goose bumps." Shead humorously noted the physical evidence of that effort, saying Dick often ends up with "one bruise or one bloody knee that just doesn't go away for the rest of the game."
Timely Surge for a Critical Stretch
Dick's emerging form is arriving at a pivotal moment for the Raptors. The Friday loss was a missed opportunity to move into a tie for second in the Eastern Conference by wins. The standings remain tight, with Detroit leading (29 wins), and Boston, New York, and Toronto all knotted at 25 victories each, though the Raptors have played two more games.
The path ahead is challenging. Toronto faces the toughest remaining schedule in the East, according to tankathon.com, while their direct competitors have some of the easiest. The team is also about to embark on a demanding five-game West Coast trip, with the health of some injured players still in question.
Despite the daunting schedule, Dick is looking forward to the challenge. "They're fun. It's fun to travel," he said, focusing on the immediate task. "We just know how important these games are... one game at a time, focus on Lakers (Sunday)."
For a Raptors team aiming to secure a top-six finish to avoid the play-in tournament and ideally host a playoff series, a confident and contributing Gradey Dick could be the X-factor they desperately need.
