Bench Mob 2.0? Raptors' reserves shine despite tough road loss against Pistons

Once upon a time, the Toronto Raptors reveled in the luxury of having an entertaining roster of bench players who carved out an identity and built a cult following within the fan community.

Their tenacity and ability to alter the course of games—whether playing limited minutes or stepping into starter-caliber roles—set them apart. This squad became widely recognized as the Bench Mob.

In that group of guys were Fred VanVleet, Delon Wright, Norman Powell, CJ Miles, Pascal Siakam, and Jakob Poeltl. Looking back, it's clear that some of these players would grow into all-time Toronto Raptors legends, becoming essential pieces in the team's title run, while Jakob Poeltl returned to the franchise for a second run.

In a November 25 matchup against the Detroit Pistons, the spirit of that highly regarded Bench Mob was exemplified by a new group of players who gave it their all, even in the face of a crushing defeat.

Toronto was in urgent need of an extra boost from their reserves, especially with Gradey Dick sidelined due to a left calf strain, compounded by an already depleted roster missing Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, and Immanuel Quickley.

Well, tip your hat to the five-man bench squad: Chris Boucher, Jamison Battle, Jamal Shead, Bruno Fernando, and Jonathan Mogbo.

The Toronto Raptors bench unit proved impactful

Bruno Fernando has once again shown why his game is so underrated. He has established himself as a valuable player for the Raptors in limited minutes, offering an energy boost and showcasing impressive playmaking skills against the Pistons.

Jamison Battle had a tough night from beyond the arc, hitting only 1 of 5 three-point attempts. However, his overall performance was solid, with nine points and three rebounds on 44% shooting from the field, which helps offset those struggles.

Jamal Shead faced similar difficulties, shooting just 33% from the field, but he still showcased a significant amount of his trademark hard-nosed style of play.

Jonathan Mogbo played the fewest minutes off the bench, totaling just 12, yet he still made his presence felt and showcased a significant amount of his Swiss Army knife versatility.

And of course, we cannot overlook the Raptors’ resident veteran, Chris Boucher, who has undeniably been the heart and soul of this team. He’s always ready to put everything on the line, regardless of the role he’s given.

The sample size of impressive Raptors bench performances this season is limited, so we shouldn't get too carried away expecting this group to shine consistently. However, there is hope that a similar "Bench Mob" vibe can be established, transforming this into a strength for Toronto to celebrate in a new era.