Raptors fans' desperate pleas for a Jakob Poeltl revival are finally being answered

Just as the Raptors were building momentum against the powerhouse Spurs on February 25, it was quickly extinguished as San Antonio adjusted and outplayed Toronto in the fourth quarter to rally for a 110-107 victory. While there's much to unpack about where the Raptors went wrong, it's only fair to credit those who helped keep the game within reach — and in this case, Jakob Poeltl deserves a well-earned tip of the cap.

Veteran Raptors center Jakob Poeltl shines against the San Antonio Spurs

Raptors fans know the storyline surrounding Poeltl has been pretty rough for most of the year. Toronto has had to deal with his bad back, which has kept him from playing almost entirely. When he was active, he looked like a shell of his former self — the guy who earned that hefty payday by reaching career highs across the board last year.

While his extension, even with his increased output, was still questionable, Raptors fans noticed that when Poeltl was absent and they had to adjust without a traditional five, the results were mixed. It became clear that the Raptors had a glaring hole they were just hoping could be filled once Poeltl came back. Coach Darko Rajakovic made this obvious before the trade deadline, and we heard it from several players in the Raptors' ranks, like Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram.

While it’s easy to imagine scenarios where Toronto could simply offload Poeltl’s burden, whether due to injury or contract concerns, it also became just as clear that he remains a valued part of the Raptors’ nucleus.

It looks like the hopes for Poeltl to return to his best are finally coming true. He put on a great showcase, arguably his best of the 2025-26 campaign, against the Spurs. Poeltl came off the bench as Toronto opted to start Collin Murray-Boyles in his place, but he still played a major role like a starter. Jak logged around 28 minutes compared to CMB’s 15 minutes, though CMB had to leave the game early with a re-aggravated thumb injury.

It really says a lot when you see Jakob Poeltl outplay and outshine superstar Victor Wembanyama for much of the game. Even though Wemby really locked in for the Spurs when it mattered most.

Poeltl contributed 15 points on 5-for-11 shooting, went a perfect 5-for-5 from the free throw line, along with seven rebounds, two assists, one steal, and four blocks. Poeltl also led the team in plus/minus with a +18.

Aside from his efficient scoring, Poeltl's defense truly deserves much praise. He was moving with more energy, sticking close as a defender, and helping to position the Raptors in a favorable set. My favorite Poeltl play of the night was his block on De'Aaron Fox late in the third quarter. That play then set up a smooth transition three sunk by Jamal Shead.

While Jakob Poeltl has largely been a disappointment this year, there was still a lingering hope that much of his decline was due to his current injury. Barring any further setbacks, Raptors fans could attest to what Poeltl’s best form looks like. When he's on the floor (at full strength), Poeltl elevates this Raptors team.

His teammates play better, especially his key running mate Immanuel Quickley, the defense looks more solid, the physicality is there, and they can match up in size against opposing teams. It’s just better all around. Like I mentioned earlier, it’s easy to envision a future without Poeltl, but maybe we were too quick to write off the Austrian big fella. Even though Toronto didn’t come out on top in this close game against San Antonio, I’m sure they’re thrilled to see Poeltl working hard to prove that he’s not done and to shed the negative narrative.