After a stellar home game against Brooklyn on New Year’s Day, which marked a triumphant return for Immanuel Quickley, the Raptors found themselves back at square one. On January 3, they were thoroughly outclassed by the Orlando Magic.
Despite showing some spark late in the game and a scary mid-game injury to standout Magic guard Jalen Suggs, Toronto was unable to capitalize and succumbed to the better basketball team, with the final score reflecting an Orlando victory of 106-97.
As they trudged off the court, it was hard for Raptors fans not to feel a pang of envy after witnessing a dazzling night for rookie forward Tristan Da Silva, the 18th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Da Silva, who delivered a jaw-dropping career-high performance, not only showcased his skills but also left the Raptors pondering what could have been had he been wearing their colors.
Orlando Magic rookie Tristan Da Silva has a career night vs. Raptors
In his 37 minutes on the court, Da Silva lit up the scoreboard with 25 points, shooting an impressive 9-for-13 from the field and displaying an NBA-ready shooting form, knocking down 5-for-7 from three-point range.
With key players like Paolo Banchero and both Wagner brothers sidelined due to injuries, Da Silva seized the moment and stepped up as the de facto star for Orlando. His performance was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing a level of polish that only comes from a seasoned collegiate career at Colorado.
For Raptors management, it was a bittersweet reunion; they had eyed Da Silva intently and even brought him in for a pre-draft workout that reportedly left a strong impression.
As the game wore on, the absence of an edge became painfully evident for the Raptors. They struggled to generate consistent offense, a problem that seemed particularly pronounced against a rookie who had just one pick ahead of them in the draft.
While Toronto welcomed Ja'Kobe Walter with their 19th overall pick, Da Silva's fluidity and on-court impact were reminders of how close they were to reeling in a game-changer.
Walter undoubtedly has immense potential, and many could argue that his ceiling might be even higher than Da Silva's, but the immediate reality is that the Raptors could have used a polished talent on the floor that night—one they were so close to having.
Much like a solo act captivating the audience in a packed venue, Da Silva’s breakout performance resonated loudly, serving as a stark reminder of the Raptors’ struggles. The contrast between Toronto's inconsistent plays and Orlando's energy only emphasized the lack of that vital spark the Raptors desperately needed.
It's a classic case of 'what if'—one that will undoubtedly haunt the Raptors community, leading them to wonder how the game might have unfolded had Da Silva worn their colors instead.