The Toronto Raptors returned home to host the New Orleans Pelicans, ahead of Toronto’s upcoming 5 game/9 day road trip. This game also marked the return of DeMarre Carroll, who has been hampered by plantar fasciitis and was forced to miss the Raptors’ last three games because of it. New Orleans were without the services of their NBA All-Star, Anthony Davis, who has been recently sidelined with a hip injury. The Pelicans opted to be cautious with their big man and let him watch from the bench for at least one more game.
It was another slow start for the Raptors as they scored just 17 points in the 1st quarter, but they were able to get back on track and scored 23 in the second quarter, leading to the Raptors and Pelicans being tied at half-time, 40-40. Toronto outscored New Orleans 32-21 in the third quarter, and 60-41 in the second half overall. The Raptors managed to open things up, leading the game by as many as 24 points. Final score: Raptors 100, Pelicans 81.
Eric Gordon was dynamic for the Pelicans, scoring 30 points including 16 in the first quarter. Jrue Holiday also added 19 for New Orleans, with 10 of his points coming in the 3rd quarter.
DeMar DeRozan flirted with a triple double scoring 15 points, while handing out 11 assists and grabbing 6 rebounds. Kyle Lowry & Jonas Valanciunas led the way offensively, each scoring 20 points. Jonas ended the game with another double-double, collecing 10 rebounds. Kyle Lowry also pulled down 6 rebounds of his own, and dished out 5 assists.
The Raptors enjoyed the support of another sold out Air Canada Centre, with 19,800 fans in attendance.
After 10 games the Raptors are now 7-3, sitting in first place in the Atlantic Division, and currently third place in the Eastern Conference. Toronto will embark on their aforementioned 5 game road trip. They will face the Kings, Warriors, Jazz, Lakers, and Clippers. This will be one of the biggest tests for the Raptors in the early season.
The Raptors will face the Sacramento Kings on Monday November 16th, 9pm ET tip off.
Dwane Casey:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MDE6hdPgZ0]Patrick Patterson:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4ylUIviTrk]Kyle Lowry:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_NqQp_UdlM]DeMar DeRozan:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Snaa8_0S4jY]DeMarre Carroll:
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