In a season where wins are taking a backseat to long-term development, “good losses” are a thing of real value. One of the Toronto Raptors’ best losses of this season came in November against the defending champion Boston Celtics, who currently hold the third-best record in the NBA. Down Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley, the Raptors — led by Jakob Poeltl’s 35 points and an RJ Barrett triple-double — showed real grit, pushing the game to the last moments of overtime, when Jayson Tatum hit a buzzer-beating three to win 126-123.
On the other hand, the Raptors’ worst loss of the season — and, statistically, the franchise’s worst loss in its 30-year history — took place on New Year’s Eve.