Brandon Ingram has quickly established himself as a key player for the Toronto Raptors since his trade from the New Orleans Pelicans earlier this season. His enthusiasm about the Raptors’ energetic atmosphere under Coach Darko Rajakovic is evident.
Ingram’s Impact Under Rajakovic
Ingram, who averages 21.6 points per game, attributes much of his success to Rajakovic’s dynamic approach. The head coach is known for his high-energy presence in the locker room, motivating his players each day. Ingram expressed his appreciation, stating, “He makes sure we bring it to practice, to games, to shootarounds.”
Scoring Performance and Winning Streak
In a recent game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Ingram scored a season-high 37 points, leading the Raptors to a 110-99 win. This performance marks his highest point total since scoring 32 points for the Pelicans on November 16, 2024. He notably excelled in the third quarter, contributing 15 points as Toronto outscored Cleveland 31-22.
Ingram’s play is pivotal, but point guard Jamal Shead highlights that he also makes smart plays, saying, “He’s not going to just shoot it every time, he’ll make the right play.”
Defensive Contributions
In addition to his scoring, Ingram has shown versatility on the court. He recorded seven defensive rebounds and a steal in the recent matchup. Coach Rajakovic praised Ingram’s overall contributions, acknowledging his improvement on defense as well.
Toronto Raptors’ Current Standing
- The Raptors have won eight consecutive games.
- They hold a 12-1 record over their last 13 games.
- With a 13-5 record, Toronto leads the Atlantic Division, two games ahead of the New York Knicks.
- They are 2.5 games behind the first-place Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference.
Up next, the Raptors face the Indiana Pacers (2-15) on Wednesday, presenting a good opportunity to extend their winning streak. Ingram remains focused, emphasizing the team’s daily commitment to improvement.
Looking Ahead
Ingram’s presence and performance have significantly energized the Raptors under Rajakovic’s leadership. The team is building momentum, and both players and coaches are determined to continue this progress.
