The NBA is back in action following All-Star Weekend. Here's what has surprised Toronto basketball fans about their Raptors as they head into the second half of the season.
They're winning more
The Raptors have quietly flipped the script on their season, and their two-week stretch in January was proof of that.
During that span, they won seven of nine games, including a statement victory over the defending champion Boston Celtics. It wasn’t just the wins—it was how they got them. The team played with more energy, moved the ball better, and tightened up defensively, looking like a group that had finally found its rhythm.
Scottie Barnes led the charge with his all-around play, while key contributions from players like RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl helped fuel the run. There’s still plenty of work to do in the playoff race, but this recent surge suggests the Raptors aren’t going down without a fight.
Chris Boucher's unexpected stay
One of the biggest surprises of the Raptors' season has been their decision to hold on to Chris Boucher, especially when it seemed like he was on his way out.
Leading up to the trade deadline, Boucher’s name was frequently mentioned in trade rumors, with the New York Knicks showing particular interest in acquiring him. Many believed the Raptors might move him, viewing him as an asset in a potential trade to bring in a key piece for a playoff push. However, Toronto ultimately decided to keep Boucher, and it’s turned out to be a smart decision.
The 30-year-old forward has continued to provide solid contributions off the bench, averaging 10.2 points and 4.4 rebounds per game while shooting 49.1% from the field and 36.5% from three-point range.
His efficiency and energy, especially in key moments, have been invaluable especially if the Raptors look to make a run for the playoffs. Boucher’s versatility and depth have given the team an important boost as they head into the second half of the season, making his retention one of the year's more unexpected and crucial moves.
Brandon Ingram acquisition
The Raptors made waves at the trade deadline with a bold move, acquiring Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Bruce Brown Jr., Kelly Olynyk, and future draft picks.
The deal caught many off guard, as Toronto had been teetering between a rebuild and a playoff push all season.
Ingram, a former All-Star, brings much-needed scoring and playmaking, but questions remain about how he’ll fit into the lineup, especially coming off an ankle injury. With the team still outside the postseason picture, this trade raises an interesting debate—was this a move to win now, or a long-term bet on Ingram as a franchise cornerstone?
Either way, his arrival adds a new layer of intrigue to the second half of the season.