The Raptors are at .500 for the first time in the 2020-2021 season after winning tonight’s game 86-81. It has been quite a struggle to get back to that mark, dealing with injuries, an inconsistent rotation and 100% of their games being played on the “road”.
Tonight’s game against the T-Wolves was as an ugly one. Missing both Lowry and OG from the starting lineup on a back-to-back they had to scratch and claw the entire second half after being up double digits in the first and getting off to a great start. Norman Powell carried the offence, scoring 22 of their 45 points leading into half time. In the 3rd quarter the offence dried up as the Raps went the final 8:32 without a field goal.
In the 4th, Nick Nurse changed up the rotation, bringing both Stanley Johnson and Terrence Davis off the bench and they made an immediate impact. Although the offence was still a struggle at times, the defence locked back in as they played on a string on that end. Towns checked back in for Minny around the 7 min mark and although the Raps were switching everything and Davis ended up in a defensive mismatch against Towns multiple times there was less than a handful of moments he made an impact in the 4th.
Davis meanwhile scored all 11 of his points in the 4th and helped the Raps secure the win, their third in a row. Next up is the 76ers, fresh off a victory tonight after a monster 50 point 17 rebound stat line from Joel Embiid. The Raptors look to continue to build on their impressive rebound to the season, after starting 2-8 they are now 13-7 since that point and 15-15 overall within striking distance of the 3rd seed in the East.
Player of the Game: Norman Powell (31 pts, 6 reb, 2 ast, 2 still, 10/19 FG, 6/10 3PT). Averaging close to 22 pts/game in a starting role this year, continuing to force Nick Nurse’s hand to roll with the small starting lineup when the team is at full strength. Norm is going to get paid this off season by a team looking for an instant offence type player. Not sure if the Raps will be able to match the type of money he will be offered as they have other holes they need to shore up, most importantly the big man spot.
Also want to give a special shout out to Pascal Siakam. Offensively it was a bit of a struggle with only 10 pts on 4/10 shooting, however he had 9 rebs, 6 asts and 3 huge blocks all in the 4th quarter including 2 on 3 pt shots that led to break out baskets. His defence was incredible and helped make up for the Raps missing OG this game.
Box And One 