Raptors' Ingram Shines as Team Surges Ahead

The Toronto Raptors acquired veteran small forward Brandon Ingram in a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans 9 months ago, and he is now delivering the impact they envisioned when making the deal. Ingram has been the driving force behind the Raptors' recent hot streak, as the team has won 5 of their last 6 games to move above .500 for the first time this season.

Ingram is averaging 21.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists on the year, including a 25-point performance in a recent 119-109 win over the Brooklyn Nets. The Raptors' defense also held the Nets to just 39.5% shooting in that game, and the team outrebounded their opponents 50-36.

Despite missing the final 4 months of last season due to a left ankle sprain, Ingram is regaining his explosiveness and says he has "a couple more gears to go." The Raptors' coach, Darko Rajakovic, is also pleased with the progress of center Jakob Poeltl, who returned from a one-game absence due to a lower back injury to contribute 12 points and 10 rebounds in the win over the Nets.

The Raptors will look to continue their hot streak on Thursday when they visit the Cleveland Cavaliers for the second time in two weeks. Toronto previously beat the Cavaliers 112-101 in the NBA Cup opener for both teams on October 31st, a victory that served as the catalyst for their recent run of success.