The Atlanta Hawks were flying into Toronto on a three game winning streak, all road wins, and were looking to continue their recent success away from Philips Arena. The Raptors are trying to close in on a franchise best mark for regular season wins, currently 42-20. With 20 regular season games remaining for the Raptors they are close to setting a new mark, which was set last season with 49 wins.
One of the Raptors’ prized off-season acquisitions and former Atlanta Hawks player, DeMarre Carroll, still doesn’t have a timetable for his return as he continues to work his way back from arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. He is doing light practice and even playing some one on one according to reports, but he has not faced any contact in practice. The Raptors will err on the side of caution in hopes of having Carroll back at full strength for the playoffs.
The game started as an even and relatively low scoring affair, as the Hawks led 21-20 after the first quarter. The Raptors went on a 15-6 run for a five minute span in the second quarter, forcing Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer to call a timeout with 4:20 left in the second quarter. Toronto kept attacking the rim and made the extra pass to get good three-point looks, helping them secure a 104-96 win over Atlanta. Toronto dominated Atlanta on the glass, out-rebounding the Hawks in the game 48-33. The Raptors also had 50 points in the paint compared to 34 from the Hawks. The Raptors were also able to get out and execute on the run more effectively as well, earning 16 points via their fast break attack, as opposed to the Hawks who earned just five fast break points.
DeMar DeRozan led the charge for Toronto, scoring 30 points and grabbing five rebounds. This was the 13th time this season DeRozan has scored 30+ points. Kyle Lowry contributed 19 points, seven assists, and two steals on the night. Luis Scola seemed invigorated after receiving the last game off for rest. He posted a double-double (his second of the season), scoring ten points and pulling down 12 rebounds. Jonas Valanciunas earned his 16th double-double of the season by posting ten points and ten rebounds. Norman Powell received another start at small forward, marking consecutive starts for the Raptors rookie, and three starts in his past four games.
Patrick Patterson had an excellent game, scoring 12 points (including two made three-point field goals) and grabbing four rebounds. Patterson also continued his trend of having one of the best plus/minus ratings each game, earning a game high +13 rating. Terrence Ross was very effective as well, finishing with very similar numbers to Patterson, including 12 points (also making two three-point field goals) and a +13 plus/minus rating for the game
2016 NBA All-Star Al Horford led the Hawks in scoring; posting 20 points along with four rebounds, three assists, and two steals. The Atlanta big man also made three of five attempts from three-point range. The Hawks’ other 2016 NBA All-Star, Paul Millsap, had a double-double on the night; 12 points and 12 rebounds. Millsap also added two steals and three blocks. Kent Bazemore made an impact for the Hawks on both ends of the floor. Bazemore scored 13 points and pulled down eight rebounds, to go along with a steal and two blocks.
With the win, the Raptors snapped the Hawks’ three game winning streak. Atlanta is currently in sixth place in the Eastern Conference. The Raptors remain second in the East, 2.5 games behind the East leading Cleveland Cavaliers. The Raptors are 4-1 so far on their current seven game homestand. They will host the Miami Heat on Saturday night and the Chicago Bulls on Monday night to close their extended home stay.
Postgame Reactions:
Luis Scola
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnhyhmAK4QY]Dwane Casey
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzBK6m6eAXE]DeMar DeRozan
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1RxqHnam_8]Kyle Lowry
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