“If we don’t come out with a defensive disposition, we’re a normal team” – Coach Dwane Casey
The Toronto Raptors coaching staff decided to give their NBA All-Star point guard, Kyle Lowry, the night off to provide him with some rest, as he’s been playing heavy minutes all season long, and coming off a career night on Friday. This was a calculated risk, but on this night, unfortunately for the Raptors, it didn’t pay dividends.
The Raptors took care of the basketball, committing just five turnovers in the game, but they showed very little resistance on the defensive end of the floor. The game was tied 52-52 at halftime, but Toronto then went on to give up a 37 point third quarter to the Pistons, while only scoring 20 points in the quarter themselves. That was certainly not the way a team wants to show their coaches that they understand the points of emphasis that were undoubtedly made at halftime. The Pistons held as much as a 26 point lead in the game. Despite a late fourth quarter push by the Toronto Raptors, the Pistons still came away with a 114-101 win.
The Detroit Pistons were on fire, shooting 57% from the field for the game (41 of 71 shooting), including 52% from three point range (12 of 23).
The Detroit Pistons had six players reach double digit scoring in the game, and three additional Pistons players combined for 26 more points. NBA All-Star, and Pistons center, Andre Drummond had a big game, with a strong double-double, scoring 15 points, but also hauling down 18 rebounds!
Cory Joseph got the start at point guard in place of Kyle Lowry, but he got into foul trouble early. He finished the game with 10 points, and only 2 assists in 20 minutes played.
With Lowry sitting this game out, and with Joseph in early foul trouble, Raptors’ rookie Delon Wright had his number called, and stepped in to assume the floor general duties. He had career highs in minutes played (31) & points scored (13). He also contributed six assists, and three rebounds, while committing just one turnover. Wright has been getting valuable minutes and game experience with the Raptors 905 D-League team, which he credits keeping him sharp and game ready.
Terrence Ross led the way on this night, scoring not only a team high, but a game high, 27 points on 10 of 19 shooting, including four made three-point shots. DeMar DeRozan was feeling better after battling the flu over the past week. DeRozan finished with 20 points (on 9 of 21 shooting), 7 assists, and 4 rebounds.
DeRozan isn’t ruling out the possibility of receiving occasional games off for rest going forward, in the same way Kyle Lowry was rested in this game. These are decisions made by Coach Casey and the Raptors’ coaching staff, as they try to balance the need to win games and ensuring their star players are healthy and rested for the playoff road ahead.
The Raptors will look to get their focus back, especially defensively, as they have an upcoming seven game homestand at the Air Canada Centre, spanning March 2nd through March 14th.
Postgame Reactions:
Delon Wright
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=562ZbkTx5x4]Kyle Lowry
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2owkOAq-SeU]Dwane Casey
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wj645YoZQy4]DeMar DeRozan
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