The Toronto Raptors headed in to Philadelphia having lost 3 games in a row, and the host Philadelphia 76ers were hoping to get their first win of the season. The Raptors started the game slow once again in the 1st quarter, allowing the 76ers to score 34 1st quarter points and were trailing by 5 after the 1st. The Raptors got back on track by halftime with a 63-57 lead thanks in part to a buzzer beating 3 pointer by Kyle Lowry. From there, Toronto had a fantastic 3rd quarter, outscoring Philadelphia 33-20 in the quarter, spurring the Raptors on to a 119-103 victory over the 76ers. With the win the Raptors improve to 6-3 on the season, and the 76ers remain winless at 0-8.
Luis Scola had his beast game of the season, scoring 21 points on 10 of 15 shooting, 5 rebounds, and a steal, in 19 minutes. 17 of his points came in the 3rd quarter, and he managed to do all of this in just 21 minutes played. The definition of efficiency!
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxUXfHbuvyA]Toronto rookie, Norman Powell, played the most minutes of his young career and scored a new personal high of 8 points to go along with 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal. He was very active on both ends of the floor, making the most of his playing time. Exemplified here by his ‘steal & dunk’ play:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIKlrTtfSFY]Jonas Valanciunas was solid in the middle for the Raptors, posting a double-double (his third of the season), scoring 11 points and grabbing 12 boards. Kyle Lowry was back in his hometown and made sure to put on a show, scoring a team high 23 points and handing out 8 assists. Cory Joseph continues to be instrumental; playing 31 minutes, scoring 15 points on 6 of 9 shooting, and dishing out 5 assists with no turnovers.
The Raptors made 43 of their 89 shots, good for 48%, as well as making 28 of their 31 free throw attempts (90%). They also took care of the basketball, committing only 8 turnovers in the game.
Canadian & Mississauga native, Nik Stauskas aka ‘Sauce Castillo’ didn’t have his best shooting night for the Sixers, but he played 30 minutes scoring 8 points (3 of 11 from the field) and added 3 assists. Despite losing the game Jahlil Okafor, Jerian Grant, Isaiah Canaan, Hollis Thompson, Jakkar Sampson, and TJ McConnell all made an impact on the floor for the 76ers. As a team, the 76ers shot 40 of 87 from the field for 46%, and 12 of 29 from three point range (41%).
The Raptors shot 17 of 21 as a team in the 3rd quarter. They also played tremendous defense in the quarter; at one point the Raptors were able to make 8 stops in a row, thwarting the 76ers scoring opportunities.
The Toronto Raptors will host the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night for a 7:30pm ET tipoff.
Luis Scola:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nQKwUdUtRI]Norman Powell:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XENR5b_oHHI]DeMar DeRozan:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBeO-tum5FI]Kyle Lowry:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OYrj9GGP70]Dwane Casey:
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