TORONTO (Interstat) — The Toronto Raptors used a dominant first half to cruise past the Atlanta Hawks 118-100 in NBA action Monday night at Scotiabank Arena before a crowd of 17,194. Toronto built a 61-49 halftime lead behind 31 first-quarter points and never looked back, leading by as many as 18 points. The Raptors secured their second win over the Hawks in three days, improving to 22-15. Atlanta fell to 17-21. Collin Murray-Boyles led the Raptors with 17 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Scottie Barnes added 18 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists. Brandon Ingram scored 19. Onyeka Okongwu paced the Hawks with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Zaccharie Risacher scored 16 points off the bench. Atlanta kept pace early but could not overcome Toronto’s efficient, distributed offense.

TORONTO (Interstat) — The Toronto Raptors, propelled by a dominant first half and a balanced scoring attack, defeated the Atlanta Hawks 118-100 in NBA action Monday night at Scotiabank Arena. A crowd of 17,194 watched the Raptors improve to 22-15 on the season, while the Hawks fell to 17-21. The victory marked Toronto’s second win over Atlanta in three days, following a 134-117 result on Saturday. The game’s decisive stretch came early, as the Raptors established a commanding lead from which the Hawks never recovered. Toronto opened the contest with intense defensive pressure, forcing Atlanta into a series of turnovers and rushed shots. The Raptors’ offense capitalized efficiently, building a 31-26 lead after the first quarter and extending it to 61-49 by halftime. Atlanta’s 10 first-half turnovers, leading to 15 Toronto points, were a critical factor in the deficit. Toronto’s offensive execution was crisp throughout the opening 24 minutes, shooting over 50% from the field in the first half. The Raptors maintained their double-digit advantage through the third quarter, leading 86-73, and weathered a brief Atlanta push early in the fourth before pulling away for good. The most important part of the game was Toronto’s initial blitz, which set the tone and created a cushion that allowed them to control the pace and rhythm for the remainder of the night. Atlanta, despite a more competitive second half where they matched Toronto’s output in the third quarter, could never string together enough stops and scores to seriously threaten the lead. Every time the Hawks trimmed the margin to a manageable figure, the Raptors responded with a run, often fueled by their transition game or timely three-point shooting. Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles was instrumental in the early surge, providing energy, interior scoring, and playmaking. His activity on both ends helped Toronto build its initial momentum. Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes provided consistent scoring and facilitation, with Barnes also contributing key defensive plays. The Raptors’ depth was on display as Sandro Mamukelashvili and Gradey Dick made significant contributions off the bench, with Dick hitting crucial three-pointers in the second quarter to help stifle Atlanta’s attempts to rally. For the Hawks, Onyeka Okongwu of Los Angeles was a bright spot, battling inside for rebounds and points, while Jalen Johnson facilitated the offense with several assists. Zaccharie Risacher found his scoring touch in the second half, but Atlanta’s efforts were undermined by 18 total turnovers and an inability to contain Toronto’s multifaceted attack. The Raptors finished the game shooting 51% from the field compared to Atlanta’s 45%. Toronto also won the battle on the glass and outscored Atlanta in the paint. According to National Statistical’s ELO system, Toronto had a 71.4% probability to win pregame. The Raptors covered the spread as 3.5-point favorites. The total score of 218 points went under the betting over/under line of 235.5. Atlanta continues a difficult road stretch, traveling to face the Denver Nuggets on Friday. Toronto heads to Charlotte to play the Hornets on Wednesday.

Preview: Hawks at Raptors, Monday, January 5, 2026 TORONTO (Interstat) — The Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors meet for the fourth time this season Monday night at Scotiabank Arena, with the Raptors holding a decisive edge in the recent series. Toronto (20-15) has won all three previous matchups this season, including a 109-97 road victory on Nov. 7 and a dominant 138-118 win in October. Most recently, the Raptors edged the Hawks 132-129 this past Saturday. The Hawks (17-19) will look to snap that skid and build on a 111-99 road win over the New York Knicks on Friday. The game features a compelling duel between two of the league’s most versatile forwards. Atlanta’s Jalen Johnson enters on a historic tear, recording triple-doubles in four of his last five games. Over his last 10 contests, Johnson is averaging 24.7 points, 10.2 rebounds and 9.6 assists, nearly posting a triple-double average for the stretch. He had 18 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists in Friday’s win. Toronto counters with All-Star Scottie Barnes, who is coming off a triple-double of his own with 20 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists in a narrow 106-103 loss to Denver on Wednesday. Barnes has been a force on the glass, including a 23-point, 25-rebound, 10-assist performance in a win over Golden State on Dec. 28. The Raptors have been strong at home this season and sit five games above .500. The Hawks have struggled for consistency, alternating wins and losses over their last six games. Atlanta’s defense, which has allowed 126.8 points per game over its last 10, will be tested by a balanced Toronto attack featuring Barnes, Brandon Ingram and Immanuel Quickley. Following this matchup, the Hawks begin a five-game Western Conference road trip on Friday in Denver. The Raptors hit the road for a two-game trip starting Wednesday in Charlotte. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. EST.