Key Takeaways:
- Michael Porter Jr. posted 24 points as the Nets secured a 96-81 home victory over the Raptors on Sunday night
- Brooklyn outscored Toronto 29-16 in the fourth quarter, achieving their lowest defensive concession of the season
- Jakob Poeltl exited early for Toronto with a back injury in the first quarter
Match Analysis
At the Barclays Center, the Brooklyn Nets overcame a brief fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Toronto Raptors 96-81 on Sunday night, helmed by a 24-point display from Michael Porter Jr. and a strong contribution of 19 points from Noah Clowney. Egor Demin, Brooklyn’s rookie, tallied 16 points, with Nic Claxton adding 12 to round off the scoring focus for the hosts.
After establishing a 15-point advantage midway through the third quarter, the Nets suffered a downturn as Toronto responded with a 20-7 run, erasing the lead and momentarily edging ahead at the start of the final period with back-to-back baskets from Jamison Battle and Collin Murray-Boyles.
Fewest points allowed this season 🔒 pic.twitter.com/noExPdfv4s
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) December 22, 2025
Decisive Moments in the Fourth Quarter
With Toronto briefly in front 69-67 following Battle’s efforts early in the fourth, Brooklyn regrouped, pulling off a 10-0 scoring blitz capped by a 3-pointer from Clowney at 7:22, swinging momentum decisively. Despite Brandon Ingram (19 points) narrowing the gap with two free throws on the subsequent possession, Claxton rattled off three successive baskets to extend the lead to 88-75, effectively putting victory beyond the Raptors’ reach with 4:42 to play.
For Toronto, Immanuel Quickley provided 17 points and 10 assists, but these efforts could not prevent the team from recording its sixth defeat in the last nine games after an initially strong 15-7 start to the season.
Statistical Summary
| Team | Points | Top Scorer | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brooklyn Nets | 96 | Michael Porter Jr. (24) | Noah Clowney (19), Egor Demin (16), Nic Claxton (12) |
| Toronto Raptors | 81 | Brandon Ingram (19) | Immanuel Quickley (17 pts, 10 asts) |
Notable Events and Next Fixtures
Toronto centre Jakob Poeltl had to sit out following a back injury in the first quarter, further impacting the visitors’ prospects. Brooklyn’s defence was especially effective, limiting the Raptors to just 81 points – the fewest conceded by the Nets this season.
The Raptors continue their three-game road swing in Miami on Tuesday, while the Nets will travel to Philadelphia for their next contest that same night.
