Rookie Collin Murray-Boyles Emerges as a Playoff Catalyst for the Toronto Raptors

In Game 1 (April 20) the Raptors lost 115-105; Poeltl played 21 min (4 p, 6 r) while Murray-Boyles contributed 14 p, 4 r. In Game 2 (April 22) Poeltl saw only nine minutes (2 p, 4 r) as Murray-Boyles posted 17 p, 7 r. Coach Darko Rajakovic inserted Murray-Boyles into the starting lineup for Game 3 (April 23) in Toronto, where he later recorded 22 p, 8 r, cutting the series deficit to 2-1.

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The Raptors, No. 5 seed (46-36), faced the No. 4 seed Cavaliers (52-30) in the first round. Poeltl, a 2025 first-round pick on a $104 million contract, had posted modest regular-season averages (10.7 p, 7 r) and struggled early in the series, prompting Rajakovic to rely on the rookie Murray-Boyles, the ninth-overall pick of 2025, for interior defense and pick-and-roll flexibility.

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Murray-Boyles averaged 17.7 p per game across the first three contests, doubled the team’s contested rebounds (8) and logged a team-best six screen assists. Poeltl’s combined output was 6 p, 10 r in 30 min. The Cavaliers lead the series 2-0, extending a 12-game playoff winning streak over Toronto, the longest such streak in NBA history.

ESPN

Rajakovic praised Murray-Boyles’ adaptation, noting his improved foul awareness and aggressive attack, while stressing Poeltl must become more aggressive and dominate the glass. He left the starting role for Game 3 undecided. Murray-Boyles thanked the coaching staff for the trust and emphasized the heightened focus required in the postseason. Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson highlighted his team’s poise despite Toronto’s adjustments.

The Globe and Mail (Toronto)

Analysts warned that the Raptors’ heavy reliance on a rookie could backfire, especially given Poeltl’s $104 million contract and recent underperformance. Media also pointed to Toronto’s 22 turnovers in Game 1, suggesting that defensive intensity must be balanced with ball security.

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• “It’s just the trust that he’s put in me to let me do that with confidence,” — Collin Murray-Boyles, rookie forward

The Globe and Mail (Toronto)

• “I’m really proud of him. This is amazing for his growth.” — Darko Rajakovic, Raptors head coach

The Globe and Mail (Toronto)

• “He is a warrior, to be honest with you… I thought he had a high level performance tonight and I [attribute] that to the power of his will,” — Darko Rajakovic

The Raptors’ rookie ‘warrior’ who played X-factor in Game 3 domination of Cavs

• “They threw the kitchen sink at us, gave us a lot of different looks and (we) kept our poise,” — Kenny Atkinson, Cavaliers head coach

Associated Press

Pre-game reports differed on Poeltl’s role in Game 3; Rajakovic said he “doesn’t know” while some analysts expected him on the bench. No final lineup had been announced.

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Game 3 begins at 8 p.m. ET on April 23 in Toronto. The Raptors must decide whether to start Murray-Boyles at center, a move that could alter the series and affect Poeltl’s future contract.

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