On Sunday, the Toronto Raptors secured their playoff berth by defeating the Brooklyn Nets 136-101 in the final game of the regular season.
RJ Barrett led the team with 26 points, while Scottie Barnes recorded his third triple-double of the season with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists.
This victory, combined with losses from Atlanta and Orlando, positioned Toronto as the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, setting up a first-round playoff matchup against the fourth-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers.
Raptors’ Strong Performance
The Raptors finished the season with a record of 46-36, tying with the Atlanta Hawks but securing the higher seed due to a season sweep of their matchups. Toronto also achieved a 3-0 record against Cleveland this season, although the teams have not faced each other since November 24.
Barnes’ efficient shooting, going 8 for 11, marked a significant milestone as he became the first player in Raptors history to achieve three triple-doubles in multiple seasons. The team’s depth was evident as Brandon Ingram contributed 25 points, while Ja’Kobe Walter, Jakob Poeltl, and AJ Lawson added 11, 11, and 10 points, respectively.
Nets’ Struggles
The Brooklyn Nets concluded the season with a disappointing record of 20-62, marking their worst performance since the 2016-17 season. They suffered their third consecutive loss, finishing the season with four straight defeats in season finales.
Tyson Etienne led the Nets with 20 points, supported by E.J. Liddell with 17 points and Chaney Johnson, who recorded 16 points and 13 rebounds. The Nets faced significant challenges as they played without 10 injured players, including Nic Claxton and Michael Porter Jr.
Looking Ahead
As the playoffs approach, the Raptors will travel to Cleveland next weekend to begin their postseason journey. The team aims to build on its strong finish to the regular season and make a significant impact in the playoffs.