The Toronto Raptors had a great November but December has not been that kind to them. They suffered a third straight loss and are 5-1 in their last six. What will turn the team around? Brandon Ingram and coach Darko Rajaković thinks RJ Barrett’s absence can help them.
Barrett, one of the veterans in the team, hasn’t played a game since November 23. This means the Raptors miss his around 19 points per game. His leadership is also greatly missed.
Ingram thinks their offense will flow better with their leader on the line up.
“We miss RJ. Our offense was flowing a little more fluid when he was on the floor,” he said after their Sunday loss to the Boston Celtics.
“That’s the league. Guys are going to be in and out of the lineup. We just got to figure out how to make adjustments and make the best of it.”
Rajaković has the same opinion about Barrett but insisted that is not an excuse for them to struggle.
Darko on RJ/his absence:
“We all know who RJ is, and what he brings to the table. He’s a very important player for us offensively.”
“But I don’t want to look in those terms. He’s not here. We got to figure it out. We have a more than capable team.”
“From here on, we’re going… pic.twitter.com/uH4Dq8fbJn
— Omer Osman (@OmerOsman200) December 7, 2025
Brandon Ingram has more motivation for NBA Cup game
Raptors, still fourth in the Eastern Conference standings, will have to navigate the next games without Barrett who is out indefinitely. The team is yet to release information about his progress.
The next game for them is more important than other games as they will face the New York Knicks for the quarterfinals of the NBA Emirates Cup.
Ingram is extra motivated for this one as he still remembers the 22-point beating they got from the Knicks last Sunday.
Brandon Ingram on the advice he would give the team ahead of the NBA Cup QF game against the NYK on Tuesday:
“Just remember what happened to us in New York. Remember that feeling, and just come ready to play.”
“The biggest thing is to just clear our minds.”
🎤 @JustEsBaraheni pic.twitter.com/FaVIT9o9Wt
— Omer Osman (@OmerOsman200) December 8, 2025
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