This year's Raptors just set a new franchise record—and it’s not a pretty one

In a game that will surely haunt Toronto Raptors fans, the team suffered a historic 155-126 defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies on December 26.

Grizzlies decimate the Raptors in stunning fashion

This disastrous loss not only highlighted troubling defensive issues but also marked the highest points allowed in Raptors history, surpassing the previous benchmark of 152 set back in 1998 against the Los Angeles Clippers.

For a franchise that once prided itself on gritty defense, this game served as a stark reality check—a defensive performance so abysmal that it made it painfully clear that this critical element of the Raptors' game has been lost over the years.

The Raptors appeared disoriented on the court, failing to communicate effectively and close out plays on defense. The Grizzlies capitalized on this by slicing through Toronto's defense and scoring at will, both in the paint and beyond the arc.

With rim protection virtually absent, Memphis had a field day, as eight of its players reached double digits in points, taking full advantage of every crack in the foundation of what was expected to be a competitive defense.

As the Raptors danced perilously close to a defensive catastrophe, fans began to wonder if this would be the moment that shattered any lingering hopes for a turnaround this season.

The situation only exacerbated when Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković was ejected in the fourth quarter after a contentious exchange with officials, stemming from a non-call on a Scottie Barnes drive. This incident encapsulated the frustrations swirling around the team; a loss this brutal can lead to tempers flaring.

Assistant coach Pat Delany addressed the media afterward, expressing disappointment over the game’s lack of adherence to the team's defensive identity, declaring, “...there is a standard and expectation that we are building here... that wasn't it tonight.” Such statements only add weight to the troubling prospect that the Raptors are adrift without a compass in this tumultuous season.

As the post-loss fog lifts, it's vital for the Raptors to reassess this defeat through a magnifying glass because it wasn't just another loss; it was a glaring symptom of deeper issues.

In a league where coaches are increasingly found on the hot seat, one can only wonder how much longer Rajaković’s tenure can withstand such embarrassing displays. Sure, he might still have more time in the hourglass, but with performances like this, even the most patient of front offices could rethink their strategy.

Hope, however, is not entirely lost.

The Raptors boast a talented roster filled with promising young talent, and they need to redirect their energy in a more positive direction. A string of hard-fought victories could significantly boost both their standing and team morale.

Regardless of the current trajectory, Toronto's fervent fanbase deserves a squad that fights tooth and nail, showing they can be much more than a stepping stone for their opponents.

Even in rebuilding, there’s a balance to strike between growth and grit; the Raptors must reclaim their competitive edge if they hope to restore faith among fans disenchanted by such disheartening defeats.

Toronto, it’s time to show that fighting spirit once more.