(Photo credit: Ron Turenne/NBAE/Getty Images via TSN.ca)
The Toronto Raptors prevailed over the Charlotte Bobcats, 92-87, winning back to back home games for the first time in almost 2 years. The season certainly hasn’t been one full of high points for the Raptors, but they went 3-2 in this 5 game homestand – showing resolve while continuing to try and create an on-court identity for themselves.
Andrea Bargnani seems to be back in the saddle offensively, as he scored 30 points on 11-22 shooting, including 6-6 from the line. DeMar DeRozan added 20 points on 8-16 shooting. DeMar came up big in the 3rd quarter, scoring 10 of his 18 points in that span. Linas Kleiza played a major role off the bench. He was very effective, shooting 7-14, including 4-8 from 3. That resulted in 18 points in almost 29 minutes played. Kleiza also grabbed 5 rebounds.
All 3 players had excellent nights shooting the ball, as each of them posted a 50% field goal percentage in the game.
Byron Mullens was the high man for the Bobcats, and was extremely efficient. He scored 20 points on 9-21 from the field, while grabbing 14 boards (5 of them offensive!) and blocking 2 shots. DJ Augustin was also very productive for the Bobcats in a reserve role, scoring 18 points and dishing out 7 dimes.
Looking ahead: The Raptors travel to the city of brotherly love to face the Philadelphia 76ers for a Wednesday night match up, the return home to host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, and then they’re back on the road to face an NBA Finals favourite, the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Head coach Dwane Casey spoke to the media following the Raptors victory over the Bobcats at the Air Canada Centre:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=
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