Basketball – Brandon Sun

Toronto Raptors' Scottie Barnes (4) shoots against Milwaukee Bucks' Bobby Portis (9) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Ingram and Barnes lead the way as Raptors beat slumping Bucks 111-105

Steve Megargee, The Associated Press 2 minute read Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Brandon Ingram scored 29 points, Scottie Barnes added 24 and the Toronto Raptors beat the slumping Milwaukee Bucks 111-105 on Thursday night.

The Raptors have back-to-back road victories to bounce back from a four-game skid. They won 106-96 at Miami on Monday night.

Milwaukee played a fifth straight game without Giannis Antetokounmpo as the two-time MVP recovers from a right calf strain. The Bucks also were missing Kyle Kuzma due to an illness. Toronto didn’t have RJ Barrett (knee sprain) or Jakob Poeltl (lower back).

The Bucks have lost 12 of their last 15. They will be away from home for 11 of their next 14 contests, including five straight starting Sunday and running through Dec. 29.

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Spurs got an education down the stretch in NBA Cup title game loss to Knicks

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Spurs got an education down the stretch in NBA Cup title game loss to Knicks

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 3 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025

LAS VEGAS (AP) — For San Antonio, the NBA Cup final was an education. A painful education.

The Spurs let an 11-point third quarter lead slip away and then some on Tuesday night, falling to the New York Knicks 124-113 in the Cup championship game.

San Antonio led 92-81 with 2 minutes left in the third quarter, when Victor Wembanyama — who played off the bench once again as he works his way back from a strained left calf — connected on a deep 3-pointer.

The score the rest of the way: Knicks 43, Spurs 21. San Antonio shot 6 for 23 over those final 14 minutes. It got outrebounded 25-8 — a staggering differential. The Knicks outscored the Spurs 18-4 in the paint over that stretch, too.

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Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama, right, dunks the ball past New York Knicks guard Tyler Kolek in the second half of an NBA Cup championship basketball game, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, in Las Vegas. (Kirby Lee/Pool Photo via AP)

Knicks win NBA Cup after rallying to beat Spurs 124-113

Mark Anderson, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Knicks win NBA Cup after rallying to beat Spurs 124-113

Mark Anderson, The Associated Press 3 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025

LAS VEGAS (AP) — It's been more than half a century since the Knicks hung an NBA championship banner inside Madison Square Garden.

The wait since 1973 to add another one didn't end on Tuesday night, but New York can make room for the NBA Cup banner.

OG Anunoby scored 28 points, Jalen Brunson had 25, and the Knicks rallied to beat Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs 124-113.

“This is great and we’re going to enjoy this,” Brunson said. “But once we leave tomorrow, we’re moving on.”

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Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, left, shoots the ball past San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30) during an NBA Cup championship basketball game, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, in Las Vegas. (Kirby Lee/Pool Photo via AP)

Brandon Ingram scores 28 points, Raptors end 4-game skid with 106-96 win over Heat

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Brandon Ingram scores 28 points, Raptors end 4-game skid with 106-96 win over Heat

The Associated Press 2 minute read Monday, Dec. 15, 2025

MIAMI (AP) — Brandon Ingram scored 28 points and the Toronto Raptors snapped a four-game skid with a 106-96 victory Monday night over Miami, extending the Heat’s losing streak to five.

Miami lost forward Nikola Jovic to an elbow injury in the first quarter. Jovic took a hard foul from Collin Murray-Boyles while driving to the basket and fell to the floor 12 seconds after he entered the game.

Scottie Barnes added 17 points and 10 rebounds and Immanuel Quickley finished with 15 points for the Raptors, who made 16 3-pointers. Ingram shot 5 of 7 from behind the arc.

Sandro Mamukelashvili scored 11 points and Gradey Dick added 10 for Toronto.

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Monday, Dec. 15, 2025

Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins, left, and guard Davion Mitchell (45) defend Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram, centre, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Toronto Raptors’ RJ Barrett set to begin return-to-play activities

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Toronto Raptors’ RJ Barrett set to begin return-to-play activities

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Monday, Dec. 15, 2025

TORONTO - Toronto Raptors guard-forward RJ Barrett is set to begin return-to-play activities this week, the team announced Monday.

The Mississauga, Ont., native has been out since Nov. 24 with a right knee sprain.

The Raptors said he "continues to progress after receiving a platelet-rich plasma injection."

Barrett injured his knee in a win over Brooklyn on Nov. 23.

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Monday, Dec. 15, 2025

Toronto Raptors' RJ Barrett (9) drives past Washington Wizards' Kyshawn George (18) during first half NBA basketball action in Toronto, on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sammy Kogan

Barnes scores 27, Raptors ease past reeling Heat 112-91. It’s Miami’s 9th loss in an 11-game span

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Barnes scores 27, Raptors ease past reeling Heat 112-91. It’s Miami’s 9th loss in an 11-game span

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 9:11 PM CST

MIAMI (AP) — Scottie Barnes scored 27 points and grabbed eight rebounds, and the Toronto Raptors beat the reeling Miami Heat 112-91 on Tuesday night in the final pre-Christmas game for both teams.

Immanuel Quickley scored 18 for the Raptors — who got their 18th win in their 31st game of the season. They needed 57 games last season to get to the 18-win mark and are over .500 at Christmas for the first time since the 2019-20 season.

Sandro Mamukelashvili scored 14 and Brandon Ingram finished with 12 for Toronto, which again played without RJ Barrett. He's recovering from a sprained right knee.

Jaime Jaquez Jr. scored 21 for the Heat, who are back to the .500 mark at 15-15 and have dropped nine of their last 11 games. They've been held under 100 points twice this season, both by Toronto and both in losses — with Tuesday's 91-point figure the lowest. The Raptors beat the Heat 106-96 on Dec. 15.

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Yesterday at 9:11 PM CST

Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes, right, dunks during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Porter, Clowney lead Nets to 96-81 victory over visiting Raptors

Adry Torres, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Porter, Clowney lead Nets to 96-81 victory over visiting Raptors

Adry Torres, The Associated Press 2 minute read Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025

NEW YORK (AP) — Michael Porter Jr. scored 24 points, Noah Clowney added 19 and the Brooklyn Nets beat the Toronto Raptors 96-81 on Sunday night.

Rookie Egor Demin had 16 points and Nic Claxton finished with 12 for the Nets, who led by 15 points in the third quarter, fell behind early in the fourth and then surged ahead again.

Brandon Ingram finished with 19 points and Immanuel Quickley added 17 points and 10 assists for the Raptors, who have lost six of their last nine games after starting the season 15-7.

Brooklyn outscored Toronto 29-16 in the fourth quarter. The Nets allowed their lowest point total of the season.

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Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025

Brooklyn Nets guard Nolan Traore (88) blocks Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (5) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

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Raptors must adapt with Jakob Poeltl day-to-day and RJ Barrett still ramping up

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Raptors must adapt with Jakob Poeltl day-to-day and RJ Barrett still ramping up

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025

TORONTO - The Toronto Raptors are learning to play basketball like two different teams: one that has Jakob Poeltl, and one that doesn't.

Poeltl missed a second consecutive game due to lower back soreness as Toronto dropped a 112-96 decision to the Boston Celtics on Saturday. Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic said before the game that Poeltl's back issues are "unpredictable" and that the team's coaching and training staffs are figuring out how to prevent painful flare-ups.

Sandro Mamukelashvili, Poeltl's backup at centre, said he's always ready, regardless of what's happening ahead of him on Toronto's depth chart.

"It don’t matter. I come off the bench, I start, I want to come in and make sure I help the team win and that’s my only mindset," said Mamukelashvili after scoring a season-high 24 points that included 6-of-9 three-point shooting. "Jak is there, I'm going to be ready when my name is called. If I’m starting I’ll be ready when my name is called.

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Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025

Toronto Raptors' Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) drives as Boston Celtics' Derrick White (9) defends during first half NBA basketball action in Toronto on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

Payton Pritchard’s 33 points lead undermanned Celtics past hurting Raptors 112-96

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Payton Pritchard’s 33 points lead undermanned Celtics past hurting Raptors 112-96

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 2 minute read Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025

TORONTO - Payton Pritchard had a double-double with 33 points and 10 assists as the undermanned Boston Celtics topped the Toronto Raptors 112-96 on Saturday.

Pritchard added eight rebounds for Boston (17-11), while Derrick White added 15 points, seven assists and five rebounds.

The Celtics were without all-star forward Jaylen Brown, who was sick with an undisclosed illness.

Brandon Ingram scored 24 points and added seven assists as Toronto (17-12) had its modest two-game win streak snapped.

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Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025

Toronto Raptors' Brandon Ingram (3) drives at Boston Celtics' Hugo Gonzalez (28) during first half NBA basketball action in Toronto on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

Jakob Poeltl out for Raptors vs. Celtics but RJ Barrett improving

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Jakob Poeltl out for Raptors vs. Celtics but RJ Barrett improving

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025

TORONTO - Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic and Toronto's training staff are closely monitoring two injured players.

Starting centre Jakob Poeltl missed the Raptors' game against the Boston Celtics on Saturday night while Canadian swingman RJ Barrett continued to improve. Rajakovic said that Poeltl was considered day-to-day as Toronto figured out how to manage his lower back soreness.

"He has some pain that comes and goes, and it's pretty unpredictable," Rajakovic said in his pre-game news conference. "He goes in the game, and he's great in the game, and he might wake up the next morning and be feeling good or not feeling good.

"Same thing with practice. So we have a long-term plan for him, which consists of managing this injury, which consists of building his strength, which consists of him playing through certain levels of discomfort. Long term we are not concerned at all."

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Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025

Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) and Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) go for a loose ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Massey JV girls top Neelin in hoop

1 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025

The Vincent Massey Vikings beat the Neelin Spartans 45-26 in junior varsity girls basketball action in the Brandon high school league on Tuesday.

Adriana Ramalho paced the Vikings with 16 points, while Josee Martine led the Spartans with six.

» The Brandon Sun

Brandon hot and cold all semester

Thomas Friesen 6 minute read Preview

Brandon hot and cold all semester

Thomas Friesen 6 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025

The streakiest team in Canada West men’s basketball last year is back to its old ways.

The Brandon University Bobcats proved they can hang with the best but lose to the rest on any given night and continued that trend with a Jekyll-and-Hyde first half.

The Bobcats knocked off the defending Canada West champion Calgary Dinos once, lost to the last-place Saskatchewan Huskies once, and split four of their six regular-season weekends.

For a team that went 7-13 last year and barely made the playoffs, they’ll take 6-6 at the break.

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Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025

Travis Hamberger and the Bobcats sit 6-6 through the first semester of the Canada West men’s basketball regular season. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)

Lancers, Wings claim BSSI titles

By Thomas Friesen 6 minute read Preview

Lancers, Wings claim BSSI titles

By Thomas Friesen 6 minute read Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025

One minute, the Dakota Lancers are in an air-tight affair. But blink and you’ll miss them dominate another provincial powerhouse for a few minutes.

That’s all the Lancers need when they defend as they did at the Brandon Sun Spartan Invitational.

Dakota defeated Oak Park 73-50 in the Victoria Inn Division (Tier 1) final at Vincent Massey on Saturday for its second tournament victory in three years.

While head coach Dean Favoni’s team has won the event three times now, the Lancers have also had their fair share of tough final losses.

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Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025

The Dakota Lancers celebrate their second Brandon Sun Spartan Invitational title in three years after beating the Oak Park Raiders at Vincent Massey on Saturday. (Thomas Friesen/The Brandon Sun)

Vikings off to BSSI semifinals

Thomas Friesen 3 minute read Preview

Vikings off to BSSI semifinals

Thomas Friesen 3 minute read Friday, Dec. 12, 2025

Markus Stevenson did a lot of good things for the Vincent Massey Vikings last year, but the one he struggled with stung.

“In provincials last year, when we played St. Paul’s, my defence really got exposed. I couldn’t play because I kept fouling,” Stevenson said.

“I really wanted to work on my defence, because I didn’t want to sit on the bench because I couldn’t guard.”

The Grade 11 guard worked on it all summer, and it paid off on Friday as the Vikings beat the Miles Macdonell Buckeyes 81-71, then dropped the Martin (Sask.) Monarchs 92-71 to finish atop Pool D of the Brandon Sun Spartan Invitational’s Victoria Inn Division (Tier 1).

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Friday, Dec. 12, 2025

Jordan Nichol (4) of the Vincent Massey Vikings leaps for a shot on the net during the Vikings match against the Martin Monarchs at VMHS on Friday. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)

Lancers return to final four

4 minute read Preview

Lancers return to final four

4 minute read Friday, Dec. 12, 2025

The Dakota Lancers are heading back to the Brandon Sun Spartan Invitational championship semifinals.

The 2023 Victoria Inn Division (Tier 1) champions, who lost last year’s final, beat the Vincent Massey Trojans 90-72 on Daniel Rom’s game-high 29 points on Friday to win Pool B and will face the Sisler Spartans today at 1:30 p.m.

Brady Penner scored 13 points to lead Dakota to a 100-94 win over Mennonite Brethren on Friday morning, with Brody Stroitch netting 12 points for the Hawks.

In the other Pool B games, Massey beat Selkirk 105-80, and MBCI edged Selkirk 84-79.

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Friday, Dec. 12, 2025

Bryant Whalen (14) drives toward the basket for the Neelin Spartans while Sid Morales of the Neepawa Tigers tries to block his shot during Brandon Sun Spartan Invitational Tier 2 action at Neelin on Friday. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)

Former BU coach Howard dies at 85

1 minute read Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025

Gary Howard, former Brandon University men’s basketball coach, died on Wednesday. He was 85.

Howard ran the team from 1968 to 1974, before he spent two decades with the University of Calgary men’s team.

Howard was a four-time Canada West coach of the year after his six seasons at BU.

In 1973-74, Howard led BU to a 6-10 record in the Great Plains Athletic Conference, going 14-20 overall.

December 24, 2025

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