TORONTO – Darko Rajakovic didn’t want to go jinx it.  

“We’re not there yet,” he said when asked about what advancing to teh knockout round of the NBA Cup could mean for a team that hasn’t played a meaningful basketball game – where losing actually had consequences – since he was hired before the 2023-24 season.

“When we get there,we’ll talk about it. Get there first.”

There wasn’t all that much doubt. The Toronto Raptors needed a win over the lowly Washington Wizards and a loss by the Indiana Pacers on Friday night to clinch their spot in the elimination round of the tournament.

The Pacers lost and the Raptors did their part with a fairly clinical 140-110 win over the visiting Wizards, who fell to 1-14 with the loss, leaving them in sole possession of the NBA’s worst record.

For the Raptors, it was their sixth straight win and their 10th in their past 11 games, improving their record to 11-5 as they maintained their grip on second place in the Eastern Conference.

This was not exactly how the Raptors’ season was supposed to go.

Sportsbooks in Las vegas pegged Toronto for 39.5 wins, which would’ve put them most likely fighting for a spot in the play-in tournament at the end of the season. Now they can quite rightly think about hosting a first-round playoff series,and maybe more.

And now that they’re in the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup, they can acknowledge the benefits that moving ahead in the tournament might provide a young team still finding its competitive legs.

“I think it’s awesome,” Rajakovic said. “It’s going to be a different feeling for us as it’s going to be one game to decide are we going to the final four or not. Definitely, we do have ambition and desire to be there, so I’m really excited about the prospect to play and our players are as well.”

Perhaps even more significant than whatever weight you want to put on the NBA Cup – and your mileage can vary – it’s proven to be a strong indicator of full-season success.

Of the 16 teams that have qualified for the knockout round (or quarterfinals) over the previous two iterations of the cup, 13 have ended up advancing to the playoffs in April, with the three others getting to the play-in tournament.

Which is why playing important games against good teams could have an outsized impact for a team that is both young and short of collective post-season experience.

It’s not something the raptors have done a lot of in recent seasons or ever this season.

The Raptors have benefited from their current surge by playing a lot of teams that have been either short-handed or short on talent – the Wizards being the latest example and the Raptors’ next opponent, the Brooklyn Nets (3-12), another.

Raptors 905 Advance in G League Tournament, Eyeing Bigger Stakes

The Raptors 905, the G League affiliate of the toronto Raptors, secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the NBA G League Showcase tournament. This advancement isn’t just about tournament success; it’s a crucial step in player progress and a potential preview of future competition for several players, including those with aspirations for the Canadian national team.

Tournament performance and Financial Rewards

The Raptors 905’s journey through the tournament has been marked by competitive play and a growing sense of momentum. reaching the quarterfinals brings a financial bonus for the players – $53,093 each – and opens the door to compete for the larger $530,933 winner’s share. However, the true value lies beyond the immediate financial gain.

A Stepping Stone to Higher Competition

The most significant outcome of this success is the opportunity to face tougher opponents and compete for higher stakes. These games serve as valuable readiness for potential playoff runs in the G League and, more importantly, for the challenges that may await them in the NBA.the December games are essentially a dress rehearsal for the intensity of April and beyond.

Kyshawn George and National Team Aspirations

The tournament also provides a platform for players to showcase their skills on a larger stage, attracting attention from NBA scouts and national team selectors. Wizards sophomore wing Kyshawn George is actively pursuing a spot on the Canadian men’s national team for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup and the 2028 olympics.

“That’s one of my goals to be able to be on that final team that’s going to compete for gold. I’m just trusting the process, doing what I can do day-to-day to prove that I belong.” – Kyshawn George

Despite a recent off-night (five points, four assists, three rebounds, five turnovers on 2-of-7 shooting), George remains focused on his development and committed to earning a place on the national team roster.

Key Takeaways

• The Raptors 905’s quarterfinal appearance provides valuable experience against stronger competition.
• Players receive financial bonuses for reaching the quarterfinals and have the opportunity to win a larger prize.
• The tournament serves as a showcase for players aiming to improve their NBA prospects and earn spots on national teams.
• Kyshawn George is actively working towards representing Canada in international competitions.

The Raptors 905’s success in the G League Showcase tournament is more than just a team achievement. It’s a testament to the development pipeline of the Toronto Raptors and a crucial step in the careers of several promising players. As they continue to compete, the lessons learned and experience gained will undoubtedly benefit both the 905 and the parent club in the seasons to come. Looking ahead, the Raptors 905 will continue to be a vital platform for nurturing talent and preparing players for the challenges of the NBA and international basketball.