Two back-to-back wins over the Miami Heat vastly improved the Raptors’ chances of finishing the regular season in fifth or sixth place and avoiding the play-in tournament. Making the playoffs this season would be a first with the core of Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, and Brandon Ingram that the Raptors assembled over the last few years.
It would also mark the playoff debuts of several rotational players, like Collin Murray-Boyles, Ja’Kobe Walter, and Jamal Shead. Brandon Ingram doesn’t think that the former will have any problems adjusting to the next stage and the higher level of physicality in the playoffs.
“He would thrive because they won’t call fouls on him,” Ingram said when asked about the rookie’s potential in a playoff series. “He’s pretty strong. He’ll be able to offensive rebound, drive to the basket, finish strong. I think it’s a perfect setting for him to grow and see what it’s like.”
Murray-Boyles has carved out a role for himself in the Raptors’ rotation by providing physical, versatile defense, crashing the boards, and scoring efficiently on the inside. He may be just a rookie, but the Raptors will need him in the playoffs.
Collin Murray-Boyles was huge against the Heat
The Raptors entered the first meeting with the Heat knowing it was a must-win game. They rose to the occasion and absolutely demolished Miami 121-95. Murray-Boyles was solid in that game, recording 6 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 2 blocks in 20 minutes.
The Heat were better prepared in the second game. They started the game with a 7-0 run. The Raptors responded well and won the game 128-114. Brandon Ingram was the star of the show. He finished the game with 38 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 steal.
Murray-Boyles was also a force off the bench, though. He recorded 17 points on 7-7 shooting from the field, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 1 block. He had the second-highest +/- on the team.
Murray-Boyles earned a spot in the playoff rotation
Trusting the youngest player on your roster when games matter the most can be difficult, but Murray-Boyles earned that trust with steady contributions whenever he has been available to play.
With just two games left in the regular season, the Raptors’ playoff rotation (barring any injuries) is fairly obvious. Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Jakob Poeltl will start and play a ton. Murray-Boyles, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Ja’Kobe Walter, and Jamal Shead will be the main contributors off the bench.