TORONTO — In a thrilling comeback that extended their impressive winning streak, the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Toronto Raptors 110-107 on Wednesday night at Scotiabank Arena. Devin Vassell paced the Spurs with a game-high 21 points, while De’Aaron Fox contributed 20 points in the victory that improved San Antonio’s record to 42-16.
The Spurs, riding a 10-game winning streak, overcame a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter to secure the win. Victor Wembanyama, the team’s star center, was held to 12 points but grabbed seven rebounds, showing resilience despite Toronto’s defensive efforts to neutralize him. Off the bench, Dylan Harper provided a spark with 15 points, seven assists, and five rebounds, helping San Antonio rally from a 12-point hole entering the final period.
For the Raptors, who fell to 34-25, Brandon Ingram notched a double-double with 20 points and a season-high 11 rebounds. Immanuel Quickley also scored 20 points, and Scottie Barnes added 15, though Barnes had been listed as questionable prior to the game due to a right quad contusion suffered in Toronto’s 116-107 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder the previous night.
The game highlighted strategic adjustments from both sides. Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic opted to start rookie Collin Murray-Boyles at center instead of veteran Jakob Poeltl, who was sidelined with a sore lower back from the Thunder matchup and did not play against Oklahoma City. Murray-Boyles, in his 15 minutes on the floor, recorded four points and five rebounds before exiting in the fourth quarter with a left thumb contusion and not returning.
Poeltl, preserved for this contest, entered off the bench and finished with 15 points and seven rebounds. According to reports, Rajakovic’s plan was to keep Poeltl away from direct matchups with Wembanyama, instead deploying Murray-Boyles and backup center Sandro Mamukelashvili to challenge the Spurs’ all-star. This allowed Poeltl to exploit mismatches against San Antonio’s reserves, contributing effectively without facing the towering Wembanyama head-on.
Toronto dominated much of the game, building a lead of as many as 15 points through the first three quarters. The Raptors’ rebounding edge was particularly notable, outrebounding the Spurs 50-40 overall. This was a surprising feat given Wembanyama’s season average of 11.3 rebounds per game, underscoring Toronto’s physicality on the boards despite the Spurs’ length.
The turning point came in the fourth quarter, where San Antonio mounted a furious comeback. After trailing by 12 points at the start of the period, the Spurs opened with a decisive 15-2 run, closing the gap to just one point. Vassell and Fox were instrumental in this surge, combining for key baskets that shifted the momentum decisively in San Antonio’s favor.
With 43 seconds remaining, tension peaked as Wembanyama swatted away a layup attempt by Poeltl, preserving a four-point Spurs lead. Quickley responded on the ensuing possession, scoring to bring Toronto within two points and setting up a frantic finish. However, the Raptors could not complete the comeback, as San Antonio held on for the three-point victory.
This game was part of a grueling back-to-back for Toronto, following their loss to the Thunder on Tuesday. Barnes, despite the injury concern, played through the quad issue, providing steady scoring and defense. Ingram’s performance, including his 11 rebounds, highlighted his versatility, though the Raptors’ inability to maintain their lead late proved costly.
San Antonio’s depth was on full display, with contributions from unlikely sources like Harper, a bench player who stepped up in crucial moments. The Spurs’ win streak, now at 10 games, positions them as one of the hottest teams in the league midway through the 2025-26 season. Their balanced attack, led by Vassell’s scoring and Wembanyama’s presence, has been key to this run, even on nights when their star is contained.
The Raptors, meanwhile, have shown flashes of potential but struggled with consistency, particularly in closing out games. Toronto’s rebounding advantage in this matchup speaks to their frontcourt strength, bolstered by players like Ingram and Poeltl, but defensive lapses in the fourth quarter allowed the Spurs to exploit transition opportunities.
Looking ahead, the Raptors will look to rebound when they visit the Washington Wizards on Saturday. For San Antonio, the schedule tightens with a trip to face the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday, testing their streak against a Nets team known for up-tempo play. These upcoming games could provide further insight into both teams’ playoff aspirations as the season progresses.
In the broader context of the NBA, this matchup showcased the league’s competitive balance. The Spurs, under their current management, have rebuilt into a contender, with Wembanyama anchoring a young core that includes Vassell and Fox. Toronto, rebuilding around Barnes and Quickley, aims to climb the Eastern Conference standings, but injuries like those to Poeltl and Murray-Boyles have tested their depth.
The game, reported by The Canadian Press and first published on February 25, 2026, drew attention for its late drama and the strategic chess match between coaches. While no post-game quotes were immediately available, the on-court actions spoke volumes about the intensity of NBA competition. As both teams navigate the remainder of the season, performances like Vassell’s could prove pivotal in their quests for postseason success.
Overall, the Spurs’ resilience in overcoming the deficit exemplifies their current form, while Toronto’s effort, despite the loss, offers hope for future wins. Fans of both franchises will be watching closely as these teams continue their campaigns in a league full of surprises.