Raptors Close Season with Spirited Fight in 125-118 Loss to Spurs
The Toronto Raptors wrapped up their 2024-25 NBA season on a bittersweet note, falling 125-118 to the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night. In what was their final appearance of a challenging campaign, the Raptors showed heart and hustle, keeping fans on the edge of their seats despite coming up short.
With the Scotiabank Arena crowd behind them, the Raptors displayed flashes of brilliance, rallying multiple times to keep the game close against Victor Wembanyama and a young, energetic Spurs squad. While the loss won’t sit well in the standings, the effort painted a picture of a team refusing to roll over—even in the face of adversity.
Toronto came out firing, led by standout performances from their emerging core. RJ Barrett dropped 24 points, while Immanuel Quickley added 21 with a mix of smooth shooting and aggressive drives. Gradey Dick also chipped in with an efficient 17, giving fans another glimpse of his potential as a future cornerstone.
But as has often been the case this season, Toronto struggled to contain dynamic scorers on the other end. Wembanyama, the 7’4″ French phenom, put on a show for the visiting Spurs, tallying 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 blocks. His presence in the paint was a difference-maker late in the game, denying the Raptors key looks down the stretch.
The fourth quarter saw Toronto mount a late surge, cutting a double-digit deficit to just four with under two minutes to play. A corner three from Gary Trent Jr. brought the crowd to life, but a quick response from San Antonio’s Devin Vassell, who finished with 23 points, sealed the Raptors’ fate.
Despite the defeat, head coach Darko Rajaković emphasized the positives. “We didn’t get the result tonight, but I’m proud of how these guys competed. There’s a lot to build on,” he said postgame.
This season has been one of transition for Toronto. After the mid-season trades and the shift to a younger lineup, expectations reset. While the losses mounted, so did valuable experience for the next generation of Raptors.
As they now turn toward the offseason, questions loom: Will the front office look to add veteran presence? What moves will be made in the upcoming draft? And most importantly, can this young core evolve into a playoff-contending group?
One thing’s for sure—despite ending the year outside the playoff picture, Toronto showed signs of resilience, growth, and the kind of fight that will be crucial in building the next era of Raptors basketball.
Fans may be disappointed with the standings, but there’s hope for brighter days ahead. The curtain may have fallen on this season, but the seeds of something special might just be beginning to take root.
