Raptors Edge Jazz in Tense Home Victory as Barnes Overcomes Injury
The Toronto Raptors snapped a two-game losing streak with a gritty 107-100 triumph over the visiting Utah Jazz on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Scotiabank Arena. The win brought Toronto's season total to 30 victories, matching their entire output from the previous campaign.
Balanced Scoring and Late Heroics Seal the Deal
Toronto's offence was a model of distribution, led by RJ Barrett's 21 points and Sandro Mamukelashvili's 20 points. Brandon Ingram added 19 points, including a critical 15-foot jump shot with just 38 seconds remaining that effectively clinched the game. Immanuel Quickley contributed 14 points and nine rebounds in a supporting role.
For Utah, star forward Lauri Markkanen scored a game-high 27 points, but the Jazz struggled mightily from beyond the arc, shooting a dismal 22.9% on three-point attempts.
Barnes Survives Scare Amid All-Star Celebration
The game featured a moment of high anxiety for Raptors fans when franchise cornerstone Scottie Barnes limped off the court following a fourth-quarter collision with Utah's imposing centre, Jusuf Nurkic. After briefly exiting the game, Barnes returned to the floor and helped Toronto secure the win.
The incident occurred on the same day it was announced that Barnes had been selected to his second consecutive NBA All-Star Game. The accolade stands in contrast to teammate Brandon Ingram, who was not named to the initial roster despite a strong, healthy season that has seen him play in 49 of Toronto's 51 games.
Coach Rajakovic Addresses Trade Deadline Pressure
With the NBA trade deadline looming on Thursday, Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic acknowledged the inherent stress this period places on players. In pre-game remarks, Rajakovic emphasized the team's focus on controlling only what they can.
"We agreed to block all the noise and just really focus on us, focus on things that we can control," Rajakovic stated. "All we can do is be where we need to be... and prepare for the game tonight."
League speculation suggests the Raptors are likely to make at least a minor move before the deadline, potentially involving guard Ochai Agbaji, to adjust their roster composition and financial outlook.
Upcoming Grueling Schedule and Opponent Praise
The victory kicks off a demanding week for the Raptors, featuring practice sessions and a set of back-to-back home games on Wednesday and Thursday. The packed schedule may serve as a welcome distraction from trade rumours before the league's All-Star break.
Utah Jazz head coach Will Hardy offered praise for Toronto's effort and coaching post-game. "Playing hard is a skill. Changing ends is a skill... Darko, with his staff, clearly have done a great job of getting their messaging across, and their team's bought in," Hardy remarked. He also highlighted Barnes's unique ability to rebound and initiate the fast break himself, creating constant pressure on defences.
The Raptors will look to build on this momentum as they navigate a critical point in their season, balancing on-court performance with the business realities of the NBA calendar.
