TITLE: Ingram’s Return Revitalizes Raptors, Barnes Shines, Staff Changes Loom
SLUG: ingrams-return-revitalizes-raptors-barnes-shines-staff-changes-loom
CONTENT:
November 20, 2025 — Brandon Ingram’s long-awaited debut in Toronto is transforming the Raptors’ half-court attack and fueling a 10-5 start that has them sitting second in the Eastern Conference.
Acquired last season for a first-round pick and immediately signed to a three-year, $120 million extension despite a foot injury that kept him out for all of 2024/25, the 28-year-old forward is now averaging 20.9 points and 3.9 assists while shooting 49.6% from the field, 30.2% from deep and 87.8% at the free-throw line. “(Other teams) know how dangerous he is,” teammate Scottie Barnes said. “He draws so much attention. He’s so talented. Once he gets to his spots, it’s unstoppable.”
Toronto’s offensive rating has jumped to 117.8, seventh in the league, after finishing 26th a year ago at 109.6. The club has won nine of its last 10 games and faces a favorable stretch against Washington, Brooklyn, Indiana and Charlotte before the end of November.
Barnes Posting Rare All-Around Numbers
The 24-year-old Barnes is backing up his 2022 Rookie of the Year and 2024 All-Star credentials with averages of 19.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.4 steals while shooting 50.0% overall and 38.9% from three. According to Sportsnet.ca, only Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Garnett and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar have sustained those benchmarks over an entire season.
Mahlalela a Finalist for Liberty Job
Assistant coach Jama Mahlalela is a finalist for the New York Liberty’s head-coaching vacancy, with interviews completed last weekend, sources told Sportsnet.ca. A move to the WNBA would leave a gap on head coach Darko Rajaković’s staff and could affect Mahlalela’s commitment to Team Canada, where he is slated to serve as an assistant through the 2028 Olympics.
Mamukelashvili Making Impact off Bench
Free-agent addition Sandro Mamukelashvili, signed to a minimum contract in July, has provided valuable minutes behind starting center Jakob Poeltl. “I tell myself that you waited for this opportunity for four years, and no matter what, you go out swinging,” the 24-year-old center said. “In Georgia, we have a saying: You don’t risk it, you don’t drink champagne. So you’ve got to make sure you come out swinging. I tell that to myself every game.”
With Ingram settling in, Barnes approaching historic company, and potential coaching changes on the horizon, Toronto aims to keep its surge going as a four-game stretch against the East’s bottom tier begins.
Source: Hoops Rumors
