Dec 2, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) yells out against the Los Angeles Lakers at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Lakers 113-80. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) yells out against the Los Angeles Lakers at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Lakers 113-80. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
The Toronto Raptors jumped on the Los Angeles Lakers early and never looked back; easily cruising to a blowout 113-80 win, extending their streak to five.
It wasn’t even close from the start as the Raptors trampled on the Lakers quickly, leaping to a 13-4 advantage to start the game. Finishing the first quarter with a lead of 28-22, the Raps broke the lid offensively in the second, outscoring the Lakers 41-26 to gain a substantial 21 point advantage at the half, while shooting a blazing 60.9% from the field.
Dec 2, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Lakers point guard Jose Calderon (5) dribbles as he is watched by Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Lakers 113-80. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Lakers point guard Jose Calderon (5) dribbles as he is watched by Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Lakers 113-80. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Rest for the backcourt duo
The second half was more of the Raps just maintaining their large lead, which they successfully did as DeMar DeRozan sat out for the entire fourth quarter, putting forth a solid outing of 16 points and 6 stellar assists while also taking some questionable shots that I will refrain from speaking on.
Kyle Lowry also got some rest, checking out around the seven-minute mark in the fourth, after pouring in 24 points & 7 rebounds on 6-9 from beyond the arc. One could question head coach Dwane Casey for even having Lowry out there in the fourth with a 20-plus point advantage on a first night of a back-to-back (like myself) but I’m guessing he saw my tweets, as he sat him momentarily.
Kyle & DeMar both got some needed rest while the Raps were holding down a massive lead in the closing minutes. it was time for Bruno Cabcolo and rookie Fred VanVleet! Both players closed the game out for the Raps alongside their other young counterparts in Pascal Siakam, Jakob Poeltl & Norman Powell.
#WeTheNorm in full effect
Powell, who was inserted into the starting lineup due to DeMarre Carroll sitting out (rest), was nothing but spectacular. It is a damn shame that things have been clicking for Casey’s 9-man rotation. Powell is a talent who shouldn’t be hidden. I will continue to vocalize my support for Powell as I suggest most of you should too, but as of right now, don’t fix what’s not broken right?
It was a much-needed blowout win for the Raptors. They continue their 6-game home stand with the struggling Atlanta Hawks coming to visit tomorrow night.
ICYDK the Raps are also creeping up on the first seed in the eastern conference, just .5 games behind LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Someone please notify the King that we’re coming for that throne.
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