The Raptors traveled to Atlanta to face the Hawks for the second time this season, a rematch of each team’s season opening game. Like in the season opener, the Raptors came out on top but it was another hard fought win, 126-115, much like the first time around. The Raptors scored a season high 126 points in the win, and seven Toronto players scored in double digits.
Toronto got off to a great start with 34 points in the 1st quarter and held a 10 point lead after one (34-24), but the Hawks made their presence felt and cut the Raptors’ lead to 3 by half time (64-61). Each team scored 27 points in the 3rd quarter, but it was the 4th quarter once again where the Raptors put the peddle down and erupted with 35 points in the final quarter, led by Greivis Vasquez.
Vasquez had his best game of the young season, scoring 21 points including 12 in the 4th quarter, to help earn the victory for the Raptors. Vasquez did all of this in just under 17 minutes; an exteremely efficient night. Lou Williams was brilliant once again in his 6th Man role, scoring 22 points including making 4 of his 6 three point attempts, and going 6 for 6 from the free throw line.
DeMar DeRozan continues to score at a high rate, pouring in 27 points, including going 9 for 9 at the free throw line, and shooting 50% from the field. Kyle Lowry’s shooting woes continue but he’s still finding ways to have an impact. He hit a couple of 3s, and got to the free throw line (making 6 of his 8 attempts), and handing out a season high in assists with 13.
The Hawks let the Raptors know from opening tip that this was going to be a tough game, Kyle Korver was hot from beyond the arc going 4 of 6, for 19 points. Atlanta point guard Jeff Teague was agressive offensively, scoring 24 points and dishing out 12 assists. Al Horford, who missed most of last season with a torn pectoral muscle, is back playing at a high level for the Hawks. He posted an impressive stat line in the game, reminiscent of his All-Star level of play: 21 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocked shots. Dennis Schroder had another nice game against the Raptors. This time out he posted 13 points on 5 of 6 shooting, and handed out 6 assists, in only 16 minutes.
With the win the Toronto Raptors are now 13-2 on the season, still tied with the Memphis Grizzlies for the best record in the NBA.
By The Numbers:
- The Toronto Raptors committed only TWO turnovers in the 2nd half of play.
- The Raptors & Hawks both shot the ball extremely well. Each team shot the same percentage from the field (51%) including the same number of makes and attempts (42 of 82).
- The win marks the Raptors’ first six game winning streak since 2009.
- This game marks the 10th time this season that DeMar DeRozan has scored 20 points or more.
Postgame Reactions:
Lou Williams
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upTGc7JEqjY?list=UUYBFE432C2AmNRDGEXE4uVg]Dwane Casey
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_VC68kIDkI?list=UUYBFE432C2AmNRDGEXE4uVg]Kyle Lowry
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqeZoEPF4H4?list=UUYBFE432C2AmNRDGEXE4uVg]Photo Credit: Scott Cunningham/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES
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