The Toronto Raptors were looking get a win against the visiting Memphis Grizzlies, after losing their last 2 games on either side of the NBA All-Star break. The Memphis Grizzlies, on the other hand, were looking to win their third game in a row, as they most recently beat the Minnesota Timberwolves, the opponent the Raptors lost to immediately preceding the All-Star break.
The game was most definitely a grinder, and had a predominately half-court set, playoff game like flow. The Raptors led at half time in a low scoring affair, 46-43. The Raptors outscored the Grizzlies each quarter, and led the game at the end of each frame. The third quarter resulted in the widest per quarter differential of the game, +7 for Toronto (28-21), and the Raptors went on to win by a final score of 98-85.
With the win the Raptors now have an overall record of 36-18, 1st place in the Atlantic Division, and second in the Eastern Conference. For the Grizzlies the loss dropped them to 32-23 overall, but they are sitting in second place in the Southwest Division, and they are currently in fifth place overall in the Western Conference.
Former Toronto Raptors superstar, Vince Carter, always enjoys the opportunity to play back in the confines of the Air Canada Centre, the basketball arena he helped put on the map. His latest trip resulted in 16 points on the night to go along with 7 rebounds, and 2 steals. Carter is currently in his 18th NBA season!
One of the toughest players in the NBA, and one of the toughest players to guard in the post, is the Grizzlies’ power forward, Zach Randolph. Randolph scored 18 points, on 7 of 13 shooting, and pulled in 6 rebounds, and had two assists as well. The Grizzlies’ point guard Mike Conley had an off night, shooting just 2 of 12 from the field in the game. He finished with eight points, four rebounds, and four assists.
DeMar DeRozan led the Raptors in scoring with 21 points. He also posted 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. It marks DeRozan’s third straight game with at least 21 points, and seven of his last eight games scoring no less than 21.
The Raptors’ All-Star point guard, Kyle Lowry, contributed 18 points, 7 assists, and 4 assists, and only two turnovers. Jonas Valanciunas earned his 13th double-double of the season, posting 10 points and 12 rebounds. Cory Joseph and Patrick Patterson played big minutes off the bench, 26 and 30 respectively. Joseph had 14 points and four rebounds, while Patrick Patterson scored 11 points and hauled down eight rebounds
The Raptors will be in New York City to face the New York Knicks and the world famous Madison Square Garden for a 7:30pm ET tip-off on Monday night, February 22nd.
Postgame Reactions:
Dwane Casey
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ot-vjcuOyrY]Kyle Lowry
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQbkEZl2XTA]DeMar DeRozan
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOKC5dbXd6c]Cory Joseph
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp4gf_P0pKI]Patrick Patterson
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