​The Toronto Raptors kicked off their Summer League slate with an 83-80 overtime loss to the Boston Celtics. Toronto led for the majority of the game, holding a 79-percent lead, but Boston staged a late rally, capped by a game-tying three from Chris Cenac Jr., the No. 27 pick in the NBA Draft. The excitement surrounding Collin Murray-Boyles’ anticipated Summer League role quickly faded when news broke of a finger injury that sidelined him before the game. With Murray-Boyles out, attention largely shifted to the Raptors’ No. 19 overall pick, Allen Graves.
Graves, a forward out of Santa Clara, arrived in Toronto amid questions about where he fit in a roster already anchored by veteran playmakers. He wasn’t the fan-favorite selection, but early interviews and observations suggested a player who understood his role and the value he could bring to the Raptors. In his Summer League debut, Graves delivered a standout performance, posting 22 points, 13 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. Even in defeat, his impact was tangible, as he secured two crucial offensive rebounds in the overtime period to provide teammates with fresh looks and opportunities to force another tie.
From the outset, Graves influenced both ends of the floor—creating turnovers, pushing the fast break, and attacking the basket as soon as play resumed. His energy and versatility on defense and the glass set a template for the kind of impact Toronto hoped to see from him throughout the tournament. A common critique from observers, including broadcaster Doris Burke, centered on whether Graves could be more assertive down the stretch. The late possession drew plays through Chucky Hepburn, and while Graves proved he was the Raptors’ best performer on the night, he ultimately allowed the team’s veterans to decide the closing sequence.
To be sure, Graves was not drafted to be a perimeter scorer who takes over late in games. The Raptors’ long-term success is likely to hinge on a dynamic trio of RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, and, when available, Kawhi Leonard-like decision-making and ball-handling. Graves’ value lies in his off-ball movements, screening, cutting, and the ability to space the floor as a threat without demanding the ball. His defensive upside and relentless motor are precisely the traits Toronto sought in this pick, and his first game offered a clear demonstration of that potential.
While it’s easy to expect the brightest stars to carry a team in the late minutes, greatness isn’t solely defined by offense. For Toronto, though, Game 1 was more about establishing Graves’ fit and potential impact within the system. As the Summer League schedule progresses, head coach Ivo Simović may decide to have Graves run more of the offense in crunch time, a move that could address the lingering question of late-game sequencing. Game 2 arrives tonight at 9:30 PM EST against the Houston Rockets, with Murray-Boyles listed as questionable to return. This continues a campaign that could shape Graves’ role and the Raptors’ approach as they evaluate their young core ahead of the regular season.