Immanuel Quickley’s Stellar Performance
In a stunning display of skill, Immanuel Quickley equaled his personal best, scoring 40 points while also dishing out 10 assists, leading the Toronto Raptors to a decisive 145-127 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday evening. This matchup marked the Warriors’ initial game following the devastating news of star guard Jimmy Butler’s season-ending right knee injury.
Key Contributions and Team Performance
Quickley’s remarkable shooting performance saw him convert 11 of 13 attempts from the field, and he was flawless from the free-throw line, hitting all 11 shots he took from there. Joining him in the scoring surge, Scottie Barnes contributed 26 points and 11 assists, as the Raptors delivered their highest offensive output of the season, taking full advantage of a struggling Warriors defense.
The night also featured Buddy Hield, who recorded a season-high 25 points, including six three-pointers, completing a perfect streak from beyond the arc. However, Stephen Curry struggled offensively, finishing with just 16 points, while Draymond Green managed to contribute six points, six rebounds, and five assists.
Crucial Moments and Player Insights
During a crucial moment in the fourth quarter, Hield’s three-pointer trimmed the lead to nine points. Yet, Brandon Ingram quickly responded with a crucial three-pointer of his own shortly after.
With Butler sidelined, Warriors coach Steve Kerr turned to Jonathan Kuminga, who had not played in 17 games, assigning him a role that saw him score 20 points on an impressive 70% shooting, alongside five rebounds in just 21 minutes. While Kuminga has expressed a desire to be traded, the uncertainty surrounding his future with the Warriors looms, especially with the trade deadline approaching on February 5. He had a recent conversation with Kerr about his situation.
Game Statistics and Future Matchups
In the first half, the Raptors rapidly put the game out of reach, scoring 70 points by halftime, which equaled the most points the Warriors have conceded in the first half this season. Despite Curry rebounding from a cold start that saw him miss his first five three-point attempts, the Warriors struggled with their accuracy overall, shooting only 39.6% from the field, including a dismal 6 of 23 from downtown.
This defeat ended Golden State’s four-game winning streak, marking just their fifth loss in the last 17 games, all occurring during the conclusion of an eight-game homestand. The Warriors also faced difficulties with ball control, turning the ball over 18 times, which allowed the Raptors to capitalize and score 34 points off those turnovers.
Looking ahead, the Raptors will face the Sacramento Kings in a back-to-back matchup on Wednesday, while the Warriors are set to travel to Dallas for their next contest on Thursday.
