Toronto Raptors' RJ Barrett pushes toward the basket while being defended by Miami Heat’s Kel’el Ware and Andrew Wiggins during the first half of an NBA game in Toronto on Friday, February 21, 2025. (Photo: The Canadian Press/Chris Young)
The Toronto Raptors struggled in their 120-111 overtime loss to the Miami Heat on Friday, largely due to a sluggish first quarter and missing Jakob Poeltl’s presence.
Barrett’s Second-Half Surge Falls Short
RJ Barrett, a Mississauga native, had a slow start but caught fire after halftime, scoring 23 of his 29 points in the second half. Despite his efforts, Toronto couldn’t overcome its early deficit. The Raptors trailed by as many as 14 points in the opening quarter, with Barrett failing to score in that stretch.
"We started slow but fought back," Barrett said post-game. "We won the second, third, and fourth quarters, but the first made the difference."
Raptors Rally, But Miami Holds Firm
Immanuel Quickley played a key role in Toronto’s comeback, finishing with 23 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. He and Barrett combined for 19 points in the third quarter, cutting Miami’s lead. In the fourth, Barrett took charge, scoring nine points and keeping the Raptors in the game.
Overtime, however, was a different story. Barrett scored all four of Toronto’s points, while the rest of the team failed to make a shot, going 0-for-6. Miami capitalized on this drought, securing the win.
Trash Talk Fuels Barrett’s Performance
A heated exchange with former teammate Davion Mitchell, who joined the Heat ahead of the trade deadline, fired up Barrett.
"(Mitchell) was talking nonstop," Barrett said. "He started even before he scored. Scottie (Barnes) heard it and called a play for me. That got me rolling."
Rajakovic Blames Slow Start
Head coach Darko Rajakovic pointed to the poor first quarter as the deciding factor. Toronto committed seven turnovers early, allowing Miami to dominate.
"The game was decided in the first quarter," Rajakovic said. "We won the rest, but we need a stronger start."
Missing Poeltl Hurts Raptors’ Defense
While Toronto’s trio of Barrett, Quickley, and Barnes played just their eighth game together this season, Poeltl’s absence was the biggest setback. The veteran center, sidelined since Feb. 4 with a hip injury, left a void in the Raptors' defence.
"Jak is the glue," Rajakovic said. "He sets screens, spaces the floor, and holds our defence together."
Without Poeltl, Miami’s Bam Adebayo dominated, posting 19 points and 12 rebounds. The Heat outscored the Raptors 54-36 in the paint.
Barnes’ Brief Injury Scare
Scottie Barnes provided a scare in the first quarter, rolling his ankle. However, he returned and finished with 13 points and six rebounds in 38 minutes.
