An offensive spectacle unfolded at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday, January 3, 2026, as the Toronto Raptors outgunned the Atlanta Hawks in a 134-117 victory. The game, characterized by minimal defensive resistance, saw the Raptors pull away decisively in the final quarter to secure the win.
Fourth Quarter Lockdown Seals Victory
The contest was remarkably close through three quarters, with Toronto clinging to a mere one-point lead. The momentum shifted dramatically in the fourth, where the Hawks were held to just 11 points. This defensive stand allowed the Raptors to execute a runaway finish, transforming a tight game into a convincing 17-point triumph.
Brandon Ingram set the tone early, missing only one of his first six shot attempts. He finished the night with a team-high 29 points. RJ Barrett matched that output, also scoring 29, while Scottie Barnes contributed 20 points to the cause. As a unit, Toronto shot an efficient 53.3% from the field.
Mamukelashvili's Bounce-Back Performance
After a disappointing performance in the previous game against Denver, Sandro Mamukelashvili responded with one of his best showings as a Raptor. The free-agent signing was instrumental in the game-changing fourth-quarter run.
With Toronto leading by only five points, Mamukelashvili grabbed a key rebound that led to a three-pointer, then blocked a shot to ignite a fast break. He capped the sequence by dishing his career-best eighth assist to Scottie Barnes for a dunk, pushing the lead to 12 points. He concluded the game with a robust double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds.
Alexander-Walker's Homecoming Spoiled
Toronto native Nickeil Alexander-Walker led all scorers with 31 points in an emotional return to his hometown. His teammate Jalen Johnson added 30 points in the losing effort. Alexander-Walker, enjoying a breakout season with Atlanta, entered the game averaging 20.4 points per game—more than double his career average.
Hawks coach Quin Snyder, who previously coached Alexander-Walker in Utah, praised his evolution and leadership. "He's been a part of winning teams," Snyder said, highlighting the guard's professionalism and work ethic. Alexander-Walker's performance made him just the fifth Canadian to score 30 or more points against the Raptors in Toronto, joining an elite group that includes his cousin Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Shaedon Sharpe, RJ Barrett, and Rick Fox.
The two teams are set for a quick rematch on Monday. Atlanta hopes to potentially reintegrate injured players like Trae Young, Kristaps Porzingis, or Luke Kennard. For Toronto, starting centre Jakob Poeltl continues to progress but is not expected to return for the second game of the back-to-back.
