Raptors Explode Past Warriors As Quickley Drops 40

The Golden State Warriors faced a seismic shift on January 20, 2026, as they hosted the Toronto Raptors at Chase Center, just one day after losing star forward Jimmy Butler III to a devastating season-ending ACL tear. The matchup, which tipped off at 7:00 p.m. PT and was broadcast on NBC Sports Bay Area, was set against a backdrop of uncertainty and adaptation for the Warriors, who entered the contest with a 25-19 record, matching the Raptors’ own 25-19 mark. But as the final buzzer sounded, it was the Raptors who made the loudest statement, notching a resounding 145-127 victory and sending shockwaves through both teams’ seasons.

Butler’s absence loomed large over the Warriors’ roster and psyche. The injury, suffered during a hard-fought win over the Miami Heat the previous night, left Golden State scrambling for answers. Head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the challenge, explaining, “When you have an injury to, not only one of your best players but one of the best players in the league, it just changes everything. The puzzle completely changes. So we will definitely experiment with some different lineups and combinations. One guy affects the other four and so it will be under consideration, for sure.” Kerr’s words would prove prophetic as the Warriors were forced to reach deep into their bench, with several key players sidelined.

The Warriors’ injury report was a daunting read: Jimmy Butler III (right knee ACL tear), Al Horford (left toe injury management), and Seth Curry (left sciatic nerve irritation) were all out. Draymond Green (right ankle sprain), Will Richard (right gluteal strain), and Gui Santos (left ankle sprain) were all listed as questionable, further complicating the rotation. The Raptors, too, were shorthanded, missing RJ Barrett (left ankle sprain), Jakob Poeltl (lower back strain), Ja’Kobe Walter (right hip pointer), and Collin Murray-Boyles (left thumb contusion). Despite these absences, the Raptors wasted no time asserting themselves.

From the opening tip, Toronto came out firing on all cylinders. The Raptors exploded for 41 points in the first quarter, building a 13-point lead over the shell-shocked Warriors. By halftime, the gap had widened to 20 points, and the Warriors found themselves in unfamiliar territory, chasing a game that seemed to slip further away with each possession. The Raptors’ offensive onslaught was relentless, with nearly 40-point quarters in both the third and fourth periods, leaving the Warriors’ defense searching for answers.

Immanuel Quickley, the Raptors’ dynamic point guard, delivered a career night for the ages. Quickley poured in 40 points on an astonishing 11-of-13 shooting, including a blistering 7-of-8 from beyond the arc and a perfect 11-of-11 from the free throw line. His hot hand ignited the Raptors’ perimeter attack, which saw the team connect on 21-of-34 three-point attempts—a dramatic turnaround after recent shooting struggles. Quickley’s performance tied his career high and set the tone for a Raptors squad that looked every bit the contender.

Scottie Barnes continued his breakout campaign with 26 points and 11 assists, shooting an efficient 12-of-18 from the floor. Brandon Ingram added 22 points, providing steady scoring and veteran leadership. The Raptors’ bench was equally impressive: Jamal Shead and Gradey Dick chipped in with 10 points apiece, while Sandro Mamukelashvili contributed 14 points and 12 rebounds, making all four of his three-point attempts. The Raptors’ 145 points marked their highest-scoring game of the season in regulation, surpassing even their previous overtime outburst against the Warriors in Toronto just a month prior.

For the Warriors, the absence of Butler was keenly felt, but there were bright spots amid the adversity. Buddy Hield led the team with 25 points off the bench, knocking down a flawless 6-of-6 from deep in just 19 minutes. Jonathan Kuminga, returning to action after missing 16 games due to a coach’s decision, seized his opportunity and scored 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting, along with five rebounds and two assists in 21 minutes. Kuminga’s energy was palpable, especially in the third quarter, where he tallied 12 points—including a thunderous two-handed slam off a Draymond Green alley-oop and a buzzer-beating layup to close the period. “JK [Kuminga] been a factor in here,” Kerr said after the game. “Really pleased with the way he’s stayed ready and stayed prepared, and he got his opportunity and played really well.”

Stephen Curry, the face of the franchise, managed 16 points in a game where the Warriors struggled to find their usual rhythm. Quinten Post added 12 points, while Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively. Yet, it was clear the Warriors were searching for a new identity without their star forward. General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. reflected on the team’s predicament, stating, “He [Butler] was having a great year and obviously that's over now. So we're disappointed as a team, as an organization but most especially individually for Jimmy. He's been so much to this organization since he got here. It's hard to believe he hasn't even been here a year. He's fit in so well, we hate it for him. But the beat goes on, we have to keep going.”

The loss also reignited speculation around Jonathan Kuminga’s future with the team. Reports surfaced that Kuminga recently requested a trade, adding another layer of intrigue as the NBA trade deadline looms on February 5. Dunleavy addressed the situation candidly: “I think as far as the demand, I'm aware of that. I think in terms of demands, for you to make a demand there needs to be a demand in the market. So we'll see where that goes.” He emphasized that Kuminga’s role could grow in the wake of Butler’s injury, but also left the door open for roster moves if the right opportunity arises.

Statistically, the game underscored the Warriors’ defensive struggles without Butler and Horford anchoring the lineup. Golden State entered the night averaging 116.7 points per game while allowing 113.3, but surrendered 145 to a Raptors team averaging just 113.5. The Raptors, meanwhile, showcased their depth and offensive firepower, a much-needed boost after failing to hit the 100-point mark in their previous outing against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Looking ahead, the Raptors will try to maintain their momentum as they travel to face the Sacramento Kings, while the Warriors must regroup and experiment with new rotations. With Butler sidelined for the remainder of the season and key players still on the mend, Coach Kerr’s ability to adapt will be put to the test. The Warriors’ fanbase, known for its resilience, will be watching closely to see which young stars step up in the weeks to come.

The Raptors’ emphatic win at Chase Center sends a clear message: this team is capable of explosive performances and won’t be defined by recent setbacks. For the Warriors, it’s a time of transition and opportunity—a chance for new heroes to emerge as the playoff race heats up in the Western Conference.