The Toronto Raptors hit a new low Thursday night, giving up a staggering 155 points to the Memphis Grizzlies in what became the worst defensive showing in franchise history.
It wasn’t just bad – it was historically bad. The Grizzlies’ point total set a new NBA season high and shattered the Raptors’ previous record for points allowed in a game.
The Grizzlies didn’t just have one or two hot shooters. They had seven different players score 15 or more points, with Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey leading the charge at 21 points each.
Desmond Bane added 19 points, while rising star Jaylen Wells chipped in 17. Even Ja Morant, who’s still finding his rhythm, put up 15.
The game was pretty much over before it started. Memphis came in riding high with a 20-10 record, while Toronto’s struggling squad was sitting at just 7-23.
Things got ugly fast.
The Raptors gave up 43 points in just the first quarter – matching the most points allowed in any quarter this season. By halftime, they’d surrendered 78 points, another season-worst mark.
What’s really frustrating for Raptors fans is that their offense actually isn’t doing too badly. They’ve put up 125 points in each of their last two games – usually enough to win in the NBA.
But their defense? It’s falling apart.
This loss stretches Toronto’s losing streak to nine games, and it’s their second straight defensive collapse after giving up 139 to the Knicks on Christmas Eve.
For a team that used to pride itself on defense, these numbers are more than just embarrassing – they’re a sign that something needs to change, and fast.
