The Toronto Raptors fell to the Denver Nuggets, on the first game of their six game road trip, by a final score of 112-93. This loss snapped the Raptors’ eleven game winning streak, a franchise record.
The Denver Nuggets held a 60-49 halftime lead over the Raptors, and in the first half the defense was lacking from Toronto. The Nuggets were able to score at will, and were getting easy baskets in the paint with very little resistance. Unfortunately for the Raptors, the second half didn’t prove to be any better. The Raptors shot an uncharacteristic 37% from the field in the game (29-78 shooting), and just 69% from the free throw line (27-39). The Denver Nuggets were hitting on all cylinders with 54% from the field (45-83 shooting) and 80% from the free throw line (12-15).
Will Barton, who has stepped up and really delivered this season for the Nuggets, was cold in the first half, shooting just one of seven from the field for two points. Barton caught fire in the second half scoring 20 points, pulling down seven boards, dishing out 3 assists, and managed one blocked shot as well.
Nikola Jokic was the best player on the court for either team. He led the way for the Nuggets scoring 27 points, grabbing 14 rebounds, handing out 4 assists, and collecting one blocked shot.
DeMar DeRozan continued his very productive scoring, leading the Raptors with both points and assists in the game. DeRozan finished the game with 24 points and 4 assists.
The Raptors can’t afford any more injuries, especially at their Power Forward position (with DeMarre Carroll out indefinitely), but unfortunately that’s exactly what happened. James Johnson left the game in the 3rd quarter, and had in-arena x-rays taken of his left ankle.
Raptors Media Relations indicated that the x-rays came back negative, but it has been confirmed that Johnson has suffered a left ankle sprain. We’ll have to wait and see how long Johnson will remain out of the lineup, and to learn the extent of the sprain.
James Johnson – sprained left ankle. X-rays negative. #rtz
— RaptorsMR (@RaptorsMR) February 2, 2016
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Up next for the Raptors are the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night, February 2. This will mark the Raptors’ second game of this six game road trip that runs until February 19th, when they visit the Chicago Bulls. That may seem like a long stretch, but there will be an NBA regular season break from Friday Feb. 12 – Wednesday Feb. 17 with NBA All-Star festivities being held in Toronto from Feb 12 – 14th.
Postgame Reactions:
Dwane Casey
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1rojZcdtHo]DeMar DeRozan
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ue9YPwSJLM]Kyle Lowry
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