Raptors reflect on season after Game 7 loss

The Toronto Raptors said their season showed progress, even after a 114102 Game 7 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers ended their playoff run in the first round. The team was eliminated on Sunday in Cleveland, but several players said the group took a meaningful step forward after returning to the postseason for the first time since 2022. Scottie Barnes said Toronto improved throughout the season and felt the team left everything on the court. He acknowledged the disappointment of not advancing farther, but said the group learned more about itself with each game. The Raptors played the series without starting point guard Immanuel Quickley, while Brandon Ingram was limited by a heel injury that worsened during the playoffs and kept him out of the final two games. Quickley also missed time after a hamstring injury late in the regular season. RJ Barrett pointed to Toronto’s 4636 record and 16win improvement as evidence of progress, while Jakob Poeltl praised younger players such as Collin MurrayBoyles, Jamal Shead and Ja’Kobe Walter for stepping up in difficult playoff situations. The players said the experience gave them confidence about the team’s future.