Toronto Raptors: Top 4 moments from unusually unlucky 2020-21 season

2. Gary Trent Jr. scores 44 points

The Raptors traded Norman Powell to Portland for Trent at the trade deadline on March 25. Two weeks later, Trent Jr. introduced himself to Raptors fans, scoring a career-high 44 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers. It was an auspicious start to Trent Jr.’s career as a Raptor, and this game probably made it easier for some to reconcile the loss of Powell.

He shot 17-19 from the field and 7-9 from three. This was undoubtedly one of the best shooting performances in Raptors franchise history. Pull-up threes, threes off the dribble, mid-range jumpers and more, Trent Jr. put all his skills on display.

Gary Trent Jr. gave the Toronto Raptors hope.

This was statistically the best scoring performance by any Raptor this season. Trent Jr. was +31 for the game, and Raptors won by a tidy 135-115 scoreline. Fans, fantasy owners, and the Raptors themselves will be asking if he can do it again next year? With Trent in line to secure the bag next season, this game pumped up his free-agent value.

There will be a lot more expected of him next season, and a lot of it has to do with this eye-opening performance. He is a streaky shooter, but this game shows the sort of game-changer he can be when he is at his best.