Raptors' gutsy clash with defending NBA champions proved they can't be shrugged off

2-12, ladies and gentlemen.

That is the current record held by the 2024-25 Toronto Raptors, making them the worst team in the NBA at this moment. Now, you might see the word 'worst' and immediately assume that Toronto is a complete joke of a squad, one that any team could breeze past with ease.

And you wouldn't necessarily be wrong to think that. The Raptors haven't won a game since November 2 and are currently facing an abysmal seven-game losing streak, tied with the Washington Wizards for a streak that no team wants to boast about.

Injuries have plagued this team, and while it's difficult to argue that they would have been outstanding at full strength, the real issue lies in the fact that they haven't had the opportunity to find out.

As the season began, fans were eager to see the "BBQ" young guns trio of Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley. So far, however, the only game in which all three players were present was their opening night contest against Cleveland.

So already riding a longstanding losing streak, Toronto's road contest with the Boston Celtics on November 16 was largely expected to be a one-sided affair. Unfortunately for Toronto, the losing streak persisted, but they arguably provided the defending NBA champions with their toughest challenge of the season thus far.

Toronto's fortitude made Celtics claw for a nail-biter OT victory

And who were the two standout players that gave Boston a run for their money? None other than RJ Barrett and the rising veteran Jakob Poeltl. Both gentlemen had career nights, with Poeltl setting a new personal best of 35 points, while Barrett recorded a career-high 15 assists.

On a night where the Raptors' hopeful star Gradey Dick was having a stinker, Barrett and Poeltl picked up the load and ended up serving as the team's heart and soul.

Often, the challenge Toronto faces each night is whether the next man up can rise to the occasion. So far this season, much of the faith has been placed in RJ Barrett or Gradey Dick to lead the charge. While Barrett delivered what was arguably the best all-around game of his career, Dick proved to be a non-factor.

What's even more commendable for a player like RJ Barrett, who has occasionally faced criticism for his lackadaisical style of play, is that he posted an impressive 25 points while also grabbing ten rebounds and dishing out an astounding 15 assists.

They fought hard to take Boston to overtime, but ultimately, Jayson Tatum's clutch gene proved unstoppable as he dashed the Raptors' hopes of victory with a game-winning three-point shot.

Losing isn't the issue, especially for a rebuilding squad. However, it can become a concern if the team's glaring weaknesses are clearly displayed. The Raptors have demonstrated that there is still plenty of work to be done to ensure their rebuild runs smoothly, particularly the need for more veterans with scoring ability.

But just when you start to count them out, Toronto bursts out of the gates like a bull charging at a red muleta, surprising even the toughest challengers with their heart.

You can’t teach heart and gusto, and regardless of Toronto's flaws from an analytical standpoint, there will always be players on the roster committed to giving their all. That may be Toronto's proudest trait, and for good reason.