The Raptors defeat the Warriors 104-101 behind Agbaji and Barnes.

The Toronto Raptors edged out the Golden State Warriors 104-101 on January 13, 2025, in a game that was as intense as it was pivotal for both teams. The Raptors’ victory, propelled by outstanding performances from Oshae Agbaji and Scottie Barnes, marked an important moment in their season, while leaving the Warriors with more questions than answers. The game was a testament to the Raptors’ gritty defense and the continued emergence of their young talent, while the Warriors, despite a valiant effort from Stephen Curry and their veteran core, showed that they still have significant gaps to fill in their lineup.

This contest not only featured a thrilling finish but also gave fans a glimpse into the evolving narratives of both franchises. With the Raptors battling for playoff positioning in the competitive Eastern Conference and the Warriors looking to stay relevant in the West, each team was desperate for a win. The game’s outcome hinged on key moments in the final minutes, highlighted by Agbaji’s scoring spurt and Barnes’ leadership, with both players playing significant roles in securing the win.

The Raptors’ Key Performers: Oshae Agbaji and Scottie Barnes

In the absence of some of their more established stars, Oshae Agbaji and Scottie Barnes stepped up to deliver clutch performances that propelled the Raptors to victory. Agbaji, who has quietly been one of Toronto’s most consistent contributors this season, put together an impressive offensive performance, finishing with 24 points, including a crucial stretch in the fourth quarter that kept the Warriors at bay. Agbaji’s scoring outburst came at a time when the Raptors were struggling to maintain their lead, and his ability to knock down big shots, especially from beyond the arc, was vital in holding off the Warriors’ late-game surge.

Agbaji’s development into a reliable scorer has been a key storyline for the Raptors this season. Known primarily as a 3-and-D wing in college, the former Kansas standout has shown an ability to create his own shot and be a consistent scoring threat. His performance against the Warriors underscored his growth, especially in high-pressure moments, and gave a hint at his future potential as a pivotal player for the Raptors.

Scottie Barnes, meanwhile, showcased the all-around game that has made him a rising star in the NBA. Finishing with 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, Barnes was a force on both ends of the floor. His versatility allowed the Raptors to use him in multiple positions, and he was instrumental in keeping the Warriors’ defense on its toes. Barnes was particularly effective in the second half, using his size and basketball IQ to outmaneuver defenders and create opportunities for his teammates. His leadership down the stretch, particularly when the game was tight in the final minutes, was crucial in securing the victory.

While Agbaji and Barnes shone individually, their complementary play was essential to the Raptors’ win. The Warriors’ defense had no easy answers for the dynamic duo, as both players exploited mismatches throughout the game, making it difficult for Golden State to keep pace.

The Warriors’ Struggles: Defensive Inconsistency and Missing Klay Thompson

For the Golden State Warriors, this loss was frustrating for several reasons. While they fought hard throughout the game, ultimately, their defensive lapses and lack of consistency in clutch moments were their undoing. The Warriors had been relying on Stephen Curry to lead them, and once again, Curry did his part. He finished with 30 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds, leading the charge for Golden State and almost willing them to victory with his offensive brilliance. But Curry’s individual effort was not enough to overcome the collective issues that plagued the Warriors.

The most glaring issue for the Warriors was their defense, especially on the perimeter. Agbaji and Barnes found themselves with too much space at times, and the Warriors failed to contain their scoring bursts. While Draymond Green continued to be the defensive anchor for Golden State, there was only so much he could do. The Warriors’ defense lacked the fluidity and cohesion that had been a hallmark of their past championship-winning teams. With Klay Thompson not fully back to his former self and Andrew Wiggins still finding his rhythm after missing time due to injury, the Warriors struggled to consistently stop the Raptors’ scoring runs.

Klay Thompson’s absence in terms of both offensive firepower and perimeter defense was felt keenly in this game. While Thompson did play, he was not the force he once was. Thompson’s struggles this season have been well-documented—his scoring inconsistencies, defensive lapses, and inability to fully return to his All-Star form have left the Warriors with an unanswered question at shooting guard. In this contest, Thompson scored just 13 points on 5-of-15 shooting, a performance that underscored his continuing challenges.

While Thompson’s difficulties are understandable given the injuries he has recovered from, the Warriors’ title aspirations are now tied to how quickly—and if—he can return to his elite level of play. With Curry’s window of championship contention closing, Golden State needs Thompson to provide more, especially in games where his team is depending on him.

A Closer Look at the Game’s Final Moments

The game’s final moments were a microcosm of the entire contest: tightly contested, physical, and high-stakes. With just under two minutes remaining, the Raptors held a slim three-point lead, 102-99. The Warriors, desperate to secure a win, turned to Curry for the equalizer. After a few tense possessions, Curry found an open look from three-point range, but his shot rimmed out. This miss, coming at a crucial juncture in the game, underscored Golden State’s reliance on Curry as their only consistent source of offense in clutch situations.

Meanwhile, the Raptors’ offense was composed and strategic in the final moments. With just under 30 seconds left, Agbaji knocked down a clutch jumper over the outstretched arm of Curry, extending the Raptors’ lead to 104-99. This shot effectively sealed the game, as the Warriors had no timeouts remaining and were unable to find an open shot to close the gap.

Barnes, too, played a pivotal role in managing the clock and making the right decisions during the game’s closing seconds. As the Warriors pressed for a stop, Barnes’ composure allowed the Raptors to avoid unnecessary turnovers and maintain control. His ability to create space, draw defenders, and facilitate plays for his teammates, combined with his own scoring, made him one of the most important players on the floor during crunch time.

Warriors’ Missed Opportunities and the Road Ahead

For the Warriors, this loss highlighted their ongoing struggles in filling the gaps around Curry. While they have one of the most dynamic players in the league in Curry, the team still lacks a consistent second option who can step up in critical moments. The absence of a reliable sidekick has left Curry with too much to handle on his own, and this game was a perfect example of that. Despite his best efforts, Curry couldn’t singlehandedly overcome the Raptors’ defense, and Golden State’s other key players—Thompson, Green, and others—failed to make enough of an impact.

The Warriors’ loss also exposed the ongoing issue with their defense, especially their inability to stop the ball and prevent easy shots from outside. While the Raptors are a well-coached team with capable players, the Warriors simply failed to get enough stops when it mattered most.

Looking ahead, the Warriors have some soul-searching to do. Their title hopes this season will depend largely on whether they can get more consistent contributions from their supporting cast and improve their defensive cohesion. The front office will need to evaluate whether trading for a wing player or making another move to strengthen their roster is the right course of action, especially given Klay Thompson’s current struggles.

Raptors’ Momentum and Growth

For the Raptors, this victory marked another step forward in what has been a season of growth for the team. The emergence of Agbaji as a reliable scorer and Barnes’ continued development as a versatile, all-around player are huge positives for the Raptors. The win against the Warriors was a testament to their ability to compete with some of the best teams in the league, and it could provide the momentum they need as they continue their push for a playoff spot in the crowded Eastern Conference.

The Raptors’ defense, while not flawless, was solid enough to withstand Golden State’s offensive firepower, and the team’s young stars are showing that they can rise to the occasion. With Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, and other veterans guiding them, the Raptors’ young core could be the key to their future success, and this win over the Warriors is a significant marker of their potential.