Toronto Raptors Clinch Playoff Berth With Regular-Season Finale Win

The Toronto Raptors secured a spot in the NBA playoffs on April 12, 2026, following a 136-101 victory over the Brooklyn Nets in the final game of the regular season. The win marks the first time the franchise has reached the postseason since the 2021-22 season.

Toronto finished the regular season with a record of 46-36, representing a 16-win improvement over the previous season. Due to simultaneous losses by the Atlanta Hawks and the Orlando Magic, the Raptors climbed to fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings.

Barnes Leads with Triple-Double

Scottie Barnes powered the Raptors’ offense with his third triple-double of the season and ninth of his career. Barnes recorded 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists in the rout of the Nets.

With this performance, Barnes became the first player in the history of the Toronto Raptors to record three or more triple-doubles in multiple seasons. The 2022 NBA Rookie of the Year expressed the personal toll of the high-stakes final week, noting that the various playoff scenarios involving Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Orlando had made it difficult to sleep.

To be honest, basically this last week it was hard to sleep

Scottie Barnes

Barnes added that while the team felt some nerves, they used that energy to focus on their defensive play and overall effectiveness on the court.

Key Contributors and Team Performance

While Barnes anchored the effort, RJ Barrett led the team in scoring with 26 points. Brandon Ingram contributed 25 points and nine rebounds. Along with Barnes, Barrett and Ingram are among the few players on the current roster with prior postseason experience.

The Raptors entered the finale with a clean bill of health, a stark contrast to the Brooklyn Nets, who were missing several players. The Nets’ injury report for the game included the following players listed as out:

• Nic Claxton (Finger)
• Noah Clowney (Ankle)
• Ziaire Williams (Foot)
• Drake Powell (Knee)
• Josh Minott (Ankle)
• Terance Mann (Knee)

Playoff Implications and Matchups

Entering the game on April 12, Toronto held a record of 45-36 and was tied for the No. 6 spot with Orlando, while maintaining a slim lead over the Philadelphia 76ers. A win was the most direct path for the team to avoid the Play-In Tournament and secure a top-six seed.

By securing the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, the Toronto Raptors are now set to face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs.

It feels great. This is what we wanted to do as a team. We got here, we’ve still got some ways to go

Scottie Barnes

The Raptors’ return to the postseason ends a drought that began after their 2021-22 campaign, in which they were eliminated in six games by the Philadelphia 76ers.