The Toronto Raptors traveled to Sacramento to play the Kings for the 4th game of their current 5 game road trip. This marks the first time the two teams have played each other since the trade that swapped Rudy Gay, Quincy Acy, Aaron Gray for Greivis Vasquez, John Salmons, Patrick Patterson, and Chuck Hayes.
The Kings imposed their style of play early on, and the Raptors fell behind early. In fact, the Raptors did not hold a lead at any point during the game. They made a valiant effort in the 4th quarter, but it wasn't enough and the Raptors lost to the Kings, 109-101. The game was not without some drama and controversy though…
The Raptors held the Kings to 39% shooting, but they allowed 65 points on second chance points & free throws combined which allowed the Kings to hold such a comfortable lead for most of the game.
The Kings are one of only a handful of teams in the NBA that have 3 players who could all score 20+ points on any given night, and this game proved that to be true. Isaiah Thomas had 23 points (including 15-16 from the free throw line, a career high for him in attempts & makes) and 5 assists, and 2 steals. DeMarcus Cousins continued to post his All-Star worthy numbers; 25 points, 10 rebounds, along with 2 blocked shots, and the former Toronto Raptor, Rudy Gay, had a big game, posting 24 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals.
Toronto ended up with 5 players in double digit scoring, including another double-double from Jonas Valanciunas, despite his early foul trouble, and only 21 minutes played. JV had 12 points and 11 boards. Kyle Lowry finished with 21 points, 8 assists, 7 rebounds, and even 2 blocked shots! DeMar DeRozan had a rough night shooting from the floor (only 5-17 shooting), but he mad all seven of his free throw attempts, finishing the game with 18 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. Patrick Patterson seems to be getting more & more comfortable with his face mask, protecting his broken nose, as he finished with 14 points (6-9 shooting, including two 3-point shots), 4 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Steve Novak gave the Raptors a huge lift offensively in the 4th quarter. He came in and scored 12 points, all in the 4th quarter, including three 3-point shots, leading the Raptors to a 29 point fourth quarter…but being down 20 points (92-72) heading into the 4th quarter is a tall order for anyone to overcome.
Although, the Raptors certainly tried to do just that, but with the Raptors down six points, 105-99, with 28.5 seconds to go, this happened…
http://youtube.com/watch?v=
7JFRnCZXWzk[/youtube]
Speechless.
That said, the Raptors were their own worst enemy in this game, being down as many as 22 points in the game. They have put themselves in this situation too many times this season. They will need to avoid having to play from behind by such large margins. It just isn't a sustainable way to play, especially down the strecth heading into the playoffs.
The Raptors will have to learn from this, but quickly put it behind them as they face the Los Angeles Clippers at the Staples Center on Friday night to close out their 5 game road trip.
Postgame Interviews:
Kyle Lowry
http://youtube.com/watch?v=
elAXzf8e7n4[/youtube]
Chuck Hayes
http://youtube.com/watch?v=
Kch3RsrqNUU[/youtube]
Dwane Casey
http://youtube.com/watch?v=
n_zhmYtWjR0[/youtube]
(Photo Credit: NBAE/Getty Images)
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