Raptors take advantage of short-handed Hawks to start 2026 with win

The calendar has officially flipped to 2026, and for the Toronto Raptors, the new year brought immediate relief and a much-needed boost to their overall record. In a decisive performance at home on New Year's Day, the Raptors capitalized ruthlessly on an Atlanta Hawks squad decimated by the league's strict health and safety protocols and lingering hamstring issues. The final score—a commanding 128-105—was less about Toronto's elite play and more about their professional efficiency against a severely compromised opponent.

For weeks, analysts have pointed to the necessity of stacking wins against teams struggling with rotation depth. The Raptors, often criticized for failing to convert opportunities against lower-tier competition, showed maturity in this matchup. They executed their game plan flawlessly, ensuring there were no potential slip-ups or mid-game energy lulls that could have let the undermanned Hawks back into the contest.

I remember watching the pre-game report, scrolling through the extensive injury list for Atlanta, and thinking: "If they don't win this one by 20, something is fundamentally wrong." Seeing Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, and the critical wing defender, Jalen Johnson, all listed as out meant that Atlanta was essentially playing with a G-League backcourt and relying heavily on their inexperienced forwards. This wasn't just a physical advantage for Toronto; it was a massive psychological advantage that the coaching staff successfully translated into early aggression.

The key to Toronto's success wasn't just scoring, but the sustained defensive pressure that made it impossible for the makeshift Hawks offense to find any rhythm. This victory represents more than just a single notch in the win column; it sets a crucial momentum shift as the team heads into a challenging mid-January schedule.

The New Year's Day Blueprint: Capitalizing on Atlanta's Injury Woes

The Atlanta Hawks entered Scotiabank Arena missing over 60% of their usual offensive output. The absence of their primary playmakers dramatically altered the defensive focus for the Raptors. Instead of worrying about pick-and-roll coverage against elite ball handlers, Toronto was able to focus heavily on perimeter trapping and forcing the ball out of the hands of anyone attempting to create.

From the opening tip, the intensity was palpable. Toronto utilized a high-press defensive scheme rarely seen when facing fully healthy, top-tier opponents. This strategy resulted in 14 first-half turnovers for the Hawks, which the Raptors immediately converted into 22 fast-break points. The team's efficiency in transition was the defining feature of the first two quarters.

The coaching staff's directive was clear: attack the interior early and tire out the limited rotation players of the Hawks. The Raptors achieved 58 points in the paint, highlighting their success in penetrating the defensive structure that lacked the usual shot-blocking presence of their starting center, who was also sidelined. This dominance was visible in the rebounding battle, where Toronto won the glass war 53-38.

Pascal Siakam, who has been quietly rebuilding his MVP-level consistency, took immediate advantage of the mismatch. He played with controlled aggression, particularly attacking the baseline against backup forwards who simply lacked the foot speed to keep up. Siakam finished the half already nearing a double-double, showcasing his renewed focus and determination to lead the team.

Midway through the second quarter, the lead ballooned to 25 points, effectively putting the game out of reach before halftime. This provided invaluable rest opportunities for Toronto's core rotation, a significant benefit during the congested holiday period.

LSI Keywords like *team depth* and *rotational stability* became particularly relevant. While the Raptors had their own minor ailments, their bench provided superior energy and production compared to the severely limited roster Atlanta was forced to deploy. The difference in quality between the teams' 6th through 10th men was vast, ultimately swinging the contest decisively.

Barnes' Triple-Double Effort Stabilizes Toronto's Offense

While the overall strategy was team-focused, the standout performance came undoubtedly from Scottie Barnes. Continuing his ascension toward All-Star status, Barnes delivered a stellar all-around performance, logging his second triple-double of the season. His statistics weren't just impressive; they were timely, providing stability whenever the Hawks attempted brief, desperate runs.

Barnes acted as the primary facilitator, controlling the tempo and ensuring that the offense remained structured and efficient against the varying defensive looks the Hawks tried to throw at them. His court vision against a scrambling defense was exceptional, leading to numerous easy baskets for cutting teammates.

Here is a breakdown of the key contributors during this *New Year's Day victory*:

• Scottie Barnes: 29 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists. (Only 2 turnovers).
• Pascal Siakam: 27 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists. (Efficient 11/18 shooting).
• Gary Trent Jr.: 20 points, including 4 crucial three-pointers to keep the perimeter defense honest.
• The Bench Unit: Contributed a combined 40 points, focusing heavily on hustle plays and second-chance points, emphasizing the importance of *bench depth*.

The third quarter, often a sticky point for Toronto, was managed beautifully. The Hawks, led by a surprisingly solid performance from reserve Bogdan Bogdanovic, tried to cut the lead back down to 15. It was Barnes who shut the door, sinking back-to-back tough jumpers and then delivering a no-look pass to a cutting center for an easy dunk. This sequence deflated the Hawks' momentary hope and restored the lead to a comfortable 20+ margin.

Coach Rajaković praised the team's composure post-game, specifically citing their execution late in the shot clock. "We didn't panic when they made their push," Rajaković commented. "We trusted the rotation and the defensive scheme. That's the kind of professionalism we need to maintain, regardless of who we are playing."

Beyond the scoring, the Raptors minimized their fouling, resulting in a favorable free-throw attempt difference (28 attempts for Toronto vs. 15 for Atlanta). In a league increasingly defined by officiating, managing the *key matchups* without giving away easy points is a hallmark of a focused team.

Looking Ahead: Momentum Shift and Eastern Conference Standing

Starting 2026 with a resounding win is more than just a morale boost; it has significant implications for the Raptors' positioning in the increasingly tight *Eastern Conference standing*. This victory pushes them slightly ahead of the chasing pack, giving them vital breathing room as they navigate the tough part of their schedule.

The NBA season is a marathon defined by capitalizing on advantageous situations, and Toronto did exactly that. The two points secured here are just as valuable as the points they might earn against rival conference powerhouses next week, but required significantly less physical toll.

The short-term focus shifts immediately to the upcoming road trip, which features formidable encounters against the Bucks and the Celtics. These games will test the resilience and *team chemistry* built during December and solidified by this New Year's Day effort. The question now is whether the high level of execution seen against the short-handed Hawks can translate when facing full-strength championship contenders.

This win also allowed newer additions to the Raptors roster valuable minutes to integrate into the system. Rookies received extended run in the fourth quarter, gaining crucial NBA experience that will pay dividends later in the season during tight playoff pushes. Their performance demonstrated the *depth chart* is solidifying effectively.

If the Raptors can maintain their defensive intensity and the balanced offensive attack led by Siakam and Barnes, they stand a strong chance of improving their seeding before the All-Star break. The key takeaway from January 1st is not the win itself, but the professional manner in which they secured it—no coasting, no underestimating, just pure focus.

The road ahead is difficult, but the Raptors have successfully laid the foundation for a competitive 2026 campaign, securing the first, crucial win of the new year and proving they can handle business against any opponent, regardless of the challenges facing them.

All eyes now turn to Milwaukee, but the momentum gained from taking advantage of the short-handed Hawks has provided Toronto with the necessary lift to approach that challenge with confidence.

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