The Toronto Raptors have extended their franchise best winning streak to eleven straight games, but it didn’t come easy. The Raptors built a 20 point lead in the 4th quarter, but Brandon Jennings, Stanley Johnson, Darrun Hillard, and Aron Baynes continued to grind for the Detroit Pistons and cut the lead to 4 points by the end of the fourth quarter. Luckily for the Raptors, time ran out and thwarted the Pistons comeback attempt.
DeMar DeRozan finished with a game high 29 points. Kyle Lowry finished with 18 points, although he didn’t earn a single assist in the game. A definite rarity. Bismack Biyombo controlled the paint collecting a double-double, with 14 points and 13 rebounds while adding 3 blocked shots. James Johnson was very active as well, scoring a very efficient 11 points to go along with his 7 rebounds and 2 steals. Cory Joseph continues to be a playmaker and consistent contibutor off the bench, and down the stretch in games. Joseph scored 16 points and handed out 4 assists. Brandon Jennings led the way for the Detroit Pistons with 22 points, including five made 3-point field goals, but a total of seven Pistons players also finished the game in double digit scoring (the Raptors had six).
How long will the Raptors continue to keep their winning streak alive? No one knows for sure, but the focus on the task at hand has to be the priority each game to keep it going. I joined TSN’s Duane Watson & Will Strickland to discuss that question and more surrounding the Raptors and the NBA.
For those watching the game at home, as a bonus, music superstar and Toronto native, Drake, joined Matt Devlin and Leo Rautins at the Raptors TV broadcast table to talk about the Raptors, his new music, and NBA All-Star Weekend being held in his and the Raptors hometown.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ywm35jip3eI]“Big Business Bismack: Drake joins the broadcast with Leo Rautins and Matt Devlin as Bismack Biyombo denies Aron Baynes.”
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjyyRUPYvIc]“Joseph From Pickering: Cory Joseph splits the Pistons defence and finishes with a reverse layup on Anthony Tolliver.”
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQBaWglxlS8]Raptors Highlights:
“Joseph’s Spin Move And-One: Cory Joseph puts the spin move on Brandon Jennings and finishes strong off the glass plus the harm.”
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTxab-x33x0]“DeRozan Attacks The Rim: DeMar DeRozan crosses Brandon Jennings on the drive and soars to the basket for a two-handed slam.”
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lhd5I_4bwUc]Postgame Reactions:
Dwane Casey
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTfBvi1w2aE]Patrick Patterson
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kq4I2eH2qgw]Kyle Lowry
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQSDH_kt7bA]DeMar DeRozan
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