Raptors Soar on Nine-Game Winning Streak
The Toronto Raptors have transformed their early-season struggles into a remarkable nine-game winning streak, a surge largely credited to the potent partnership of Scottie Barnes and the newly acquired Brandon Ingram. This dramatic turnaround comes after a concerning start where the team lost four consecutive games, during which their defence was notably porous, allowing an average of 130 points per contest.
Ingram's Heroics and Barnes's Evolution
The winning momentum was solidified in a nail-biting victory over the Indiana Pacers on November 26, 2025. Ingram, who had previously dropped a season-high 37 points against Cleveland, cemented his clutch reputation by draining a game-winning pull-up jumper with a mere 0.6 seconds left on the clock. This capped a thrilling comeback for the Raptors.
While Ingram's offensive fireworks have been a headline grabber, the team's foundation remains Scottie Barnes. In the win against Indiana, Barnes was a force on both ends of the court, converting all 14 of his free-throw attempts and grabbing a game-high 10 rebounds. The duo combined for 50 of Toronto's 97 points in a game where the team shot a poor 39% from the field, proving they can win even on an off-night.
Sustainable Success and Future Challenges
Despite the impressive streak, analysts caution that the Raptors' recent opposition has not been of the highest quality, with victories over three teams that each had only one win. The true test of their mettle is imminent, with a back-to-back schedule starting in Charlotte followed by a litmus test against the New York Knicks to close out November.
The team's ceiling, however, appears significantly higher with a healthy Ingram and an evolving Barnes. Their combined talent forms one of the most formidable one-two punches in the Eastern Conference. For the Raptors to transition from a playoff team to a legitimate contender, the front office will need to address the need for more size and consistent perimeter shooting. The primary goal now is clear: secure home-court advantage for the first round of the NBA playoffs, a target that is firmly within reach if this dynamic duo can stay on the court.
