Toronto: T. MacMaster (7) PP (T. Liljegren, M. Read), D. Archibald (6) PP (N. Baptiste, T. Liljegren), G. Wilson (6) PP (K. Agostino, K. Kaskisuo), M. Marchment (1) (Unassisted) Goaltender: K. Kaskisuo (22/27)
Utica: L. Jasek (6) (J. Bailey, K. Lind), F. Perron (5) (N. Goldobin, C. Camper), G. Brisebois (3) (R. Boucher, B. Rafferty), L. Jasek (7) (N. Goldobin), K. Lind (7) PP (S. Baertschi, B. Rafferty), R. Boucher (18) EN (S. Baertschi, A. Sautner) Goaltender: M. DiPietro (27/31)
ON THE SCORESHEET
Tanner MacMaster scored on the power play at 17:16 of the first period. This was his second power play goal of the season. MacMaster has 15 points (7 goals, 8 assists) through 24 games this season.
Darren Archibald scored on the power play at 12:51 of the second period. Archibald has six points (4 goals, 2 assists) in his last eight games.
Garrett Wilson scored on the power play at 19:58 of the second period. Wilson has nine points (6 goals, 3 assists) in 22 games this season. Wilson has points (1 goal, 1 assist) in consecutive games.
Mason Marchment scored at 12:08 of the third period. This was Marchment’s first goal of the season through four games.
Timothy Liljegren recorded the primary assist on MacMaster’s first period goal and the secondary assist on Archibald’s second period goal. This is Liljegren’s second multi-point game of the season. Liljegren has 13 points (2 goals, 11 assists) through 22 games.
Matt Read registered the secondary assist on MacMaster’s first period goal. Read has six points (3 goals, 3 assists) through 19 games this season.
Nick Baptiste picked up the primary assist on Archibald’s second period goal. Baptiste has seven points (3 goals, 4 assists) through 16 games this season.
Kenny Agostino had the primary assist on Wilson’s second period goal. Agostino has 14 points (9 goals, 5 assists) in his last 12 games.
Kasimir Kaskisuo stopped 22 of the 27 shots he faced. He recorded the secondary assist on Wilson’s third period power play goal. Kaskisuo is now 9-2-1-0 on the season with a .916 Save Percentage and a 2.42 Goals Against Average.
OF NOTE…
The Toronto Maple Leafs announced on December 1 that Greg Moore was named head coach of the Toronto Marlies. He will join the Marlies on December 16.
Assistant coaches Rob Davison and A.J. MacLean assumed duties behind the bench for tonight’s game Utica. Toronto is 7-3-0-0 under Davison and MacLean.
Toronto was 3-for-4 on the penalty kill and was 3-for-4 on the power play. Toronto last scored three power play goals in one game on March 15, 2019 in a 5-4 win against Hershey.
Toronto had a 31-28 edge in shots in all situations. Timothy Liljegren led the Marlies with five shots on goal.
The Marlies are 7-2-2-1 against North Division opponents and are 1-2-0-0 against the Utica Comets.
REGULAR SEASON LEADERS
Goals: K. Agostino (13)
Assists: J. Bracco (18)
Points: K. Agostino (23)
PPG: E. Korshkov (4)
Shots: K. Agostino (49)
+/-: B. Harpur (+13)
PIMS: G. Wilson (52)
RECORD WHEN…
The Marlies are 4-2-0-0 when tied after the first period and 3-3-2-0 when trailing after the second period.
Toronto is 7-2-1-0 when outshooting their opponent.
The Marlies are 2-3-0-0 in Wednesday games and are 3-2-0-0 in December.
CURRENT POINT STREAKS
Mason Marchment has points (1-1-2) in consecutive games.
Garrett Wilson has points (1-1-2) in consecutive games.
MARLIES UPDATES.
Adam Brooks left tonight’s game against Utica in the second period and did not return.
Kevin Gravel (illness) did not dress for tonight’s game against Utica.
Egor Korshkov (lower leg laceration) did not dress for tonight’s game against Utica. Heleft Toronto’s game against San Antonio on December 8 in the first period and did not return.
RECENT TRANSACTIONS
December 9: Recalled forward Brady Ferguson from loan to Newfoundland (ECHL).
POSTGAME QUOTES
ASSISTANT COACH A.J. MacLEAN
On the beginning of the second period where Utica scored four goals in 2:37: Like you said, it was eventful, it was emotional. We lost our composure for probably five minutes and that was the game right there. I think the guys after that and before that played hard, played well but for five minutes, we really lost our focus and that was it.
On the explanation on Toronto’s second period non-goal: It was just that we were getting a penalty as well so the play was dead basically.
On whether the third period was the best period by Toronto: I thought the first period was really good too. I thought we came out and really played hard in the first. Like I said the five minutes in the second, we lost our way and then the third, we came out and just played hockey again so it’s something that we really just need to do, just to figure out how to put together three solid periods and we’ll be all right.
NEXT GAME:
December 14 vs Belleville – 4:00 p.m. ET December 15 vs Rockford – 4:00 p.m. ET December 21 at Belleville – 7:00 p.m. ET December 26 vs Belleville – 3:00 p.m. ET (Scotiabank Arena) December 27 at Laval – 7:00 p.m. ET
(19-7) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS, 112 VS. (16-8) TORONTO RAPTORS, 92 SCOTIABANK ARENA WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2019
TORONTO RAPTORS QUOTES
NICK NURSE (HEAD COACH)
On the team’s shooting … I thought we came out pretty revved up and executing really well. I thought we were really flying around out there and I thought it looked like it was going to be a hell of a ball game and then we went through a really dry spell offensively and deflated us I think, all the way through the second quarter and into the half. Again we came out and started, I think we were scoring it okay there. Got off to a good start in the third and started getting a few a stops and I thought played some really solid man-to-man defence, got back in the game and then dried up a little bit again at the offensive end. I think we got it down to five and felt like we were in a really good position there to be in the game then they went on a like an 11-0 run or something, maybe 12-0 run to end the quarter and it got a little tough again.
On Kyle Lowry forcing shots… Well, I don’t know, Kyle has seven threes there and I am just trying to think if any of them were really bad ones and I can’t recall if they were forced, not open. I think they were decent shots, he is just in one of those grooves that he is not making some right now. We will get to work on that and look at it. He goes through some shooting woes every now and then for a few games and snaps out of it. He is too good of a shooter to do that.
On being happy that you can finally move on from last year … Well, we keep saying that we are going to move on from it, but then Danny Green will roll into town here pretty soon and we will do it all over again. I think again, we are in a period where were not playing very well here for about a week. It’s strange because, last Monday against Utah we may have played the best half of basketball we have ever seen in this building. So, things can change quickly, it is a fine line between things and we just have to get back to a little bit of who we are, which is very good defensively, ball movement and a good shooting team and we will do that.
On Kawhi Leonard tonight … I think that everybody knew he was going to get a warm reception tonight and deservedly so. I thought we were doing a pretty good job on him. We decided to go straight up in the second half and he shook free a little bit more, but I still thought we, he was eight of 14, not a big deal, 23 points I think you are going to live with as well. We held (Paul) George down pretty well, but Lou Williams I thought was a guy that during the stretch when they pulled away was incredible, especially to end the half and he can do that too. But Kawhi played good, he was efficient tonight, I thought he passed the ball well, he was strong in there, we were hitting him a lot and he was battling through some double teams early in the game and he played well.
PASCAL SIAKAM (24 points, four rebounds)
Where did things go wrong after the first quarter? They got stops and we weren’t making shots. They got stops and they were scoring on the other side. We couldn’t respond for a good period of time. Given the lead, down by – what, 18 at the half? – it’s always tough when you are down that much. We made a run in the second half and got it down to six or something, just couldn’t hold on.
Is the team confident shots will start falling? We hope so. We are going to continue to shoot them and just continue to play our offence and making sure that we make plays for each other and take the shots that are there. We can’t shy away from it because they aren’t going in. Continue to move the ball, play as a team and shoot open shots.
KYLE LOWRY (six points, four rebounds, six assists)
What went wrong after the first quarter? They made shots, played more aggressive than us and we just did not make enough shots offensively.
Are you happy with the looks the team is getting on offence? I think the shots are coming. I think we put ourselves in predicaments where we are getting some good shots, but we have to create better shots, drive, kick, swing a little bit more. Help our defence with our offence making some shots.
Thoughts on pregame ceremony for Kawhi… It was great. It’s well deserved, he helped this franchise do amazing things and he got his ring. I think he was pretty happy with it.
Is it a relief to have this game over with? It was a game we lost, we didn’t play well and it’s over with now. It was a great moment and it’s well deserved and with Danny (Green) coming in, it will be another great moment, but other than that, we are just moving on throughout the season.
(19-7) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS, 112 VS. (16-8) TORONTO RAPTORS, 92 SCOTIABANK ARENA WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2019
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS QUOTES
DOC RIVERS (HEAD COACH)
What’s the greatest areas of growth you have seen in the team in the last couple of games? The defence tonight was phenomenal, and then our patience. We anticipated the traps and I thought our guys did a great job, like PG (Paul George), Kawhi (Leonard) and Lou (Williams), we talked about it in shootaround, just let them come, move the ball and find the open guy. I thought our passing in the first half probably was the best we’ve had all year. But we did it because of the traps and our guys were patient. A lot of times guys want to force it. Early in the year we would have forced it. When we played them earlier in the year we didn’t handle them very well and tonight I thought our guys were phenomenal. Other than the first quarter, I thought our defence was absolutely wonderful.
On the defence in the second quarter… We kept telling our guys, the way we’re playing offensively we’re going to keep scoring but if they keep scoring it’s going to be a close game. At some point, one of the two teams is going to play defence and it was us in the second quarter. They made a run in the third quarter and Rex (Kalamian) went to what we call a zone. I’m not sure what that defence is yet but it was effective. We just have so many long guys where we can do so much switching, we can be really good defensively.
Could you sense what the moment meant to Kawhi Leonard? It meant a lot. Again, some players just don’t let you in but I can tell you that ovation to him was very heartfelt, there’s no doubt about that. It meant a lot to him. I thought what the Raptors did overall, the video, the players coming out, all of them who played with him, that’s the best that I have seen since I’ve been in the league. That’s a really classy move by the organization and then by the fans as well.
PATRICK PATTERSON (11 points, seven rebounds, two assists)
On the Raptors championship series … I watched every game. Once we exited the playoffs, the Raptors were pretty much the only thing that I watched just because of Pascal (Siakam), Fred (VanVleet), Kyle (Lowry), (and) Serge (Ibaka). You know, guys that I’ve known from playing here and also guys that I’ve known for some time. Just rooting for them (and) cheering for them, so I’ve watched every single game throughout the playoffs.
On how Clippers defence is a key part of the team chasing a championship this year… It feels good to be able to take that as an opportunity to compete for a championship. It’s all about finding identity, finding roles, buying into the system, seeing how superstars with key role players accept their jobs and play those jobs to the best of their ability, and that’s what we have here. We’re still growing. We’re still getting better … There’s still so much room for improvement. There’s still so much we need to get better at, but this game here today, in Toronto, was a step in the right direction.
KAWHI LEONARD (23 points, six assists, five rebounds, two steals)
On the Raptors tribute video and crowd ovation… It was great. It was a great moment. They did a great job putting it together. Having all the players out there that won it with me, standing there and presenting the ring – it was great.
How was that moment with Kyle Lowry before the game? We just laughed at it. I knew he was going to present me the ring before the game. Just a lot of memories ran through our head. We just laughed.
Did you get a chance to take a look at the ring? Yes, I got it after the game. Sat at my locker with it for a little bit. I just admired it and remembered all of the memories and the hard work that went into it.
Does this feel like this chapter is officially over for you now? As far as winning a championship it pretty much comes full circle now. Being able to get the room and see the result of the hard work, it’s more than that. It’s just a journey. For me, as far as playing, for the city, the chapter was closed once I came over to play with the Clippers. Still love the city. Those guys on the team, the players, the coaching staff, still have love for them. I wish them the best.
Has it sunk in how much this city loved you and what you meant to them? Yes, they did a great job last year of embracing me, embracing the team and helping us get to the finals, just cheering us on the whole way, throughout the whole journey. It wasn’t even about tonight. They did a great job last year.
Are you getting any similar feelings with the Clippers in terms of what the potential of this team is? It’s still early. Obviously that’s my goal every year is to compete my heart out and have fun on the court, set that high standard so we can push each other every day. I think we’re still doing it right now. Last year, I didn’t know where we were at. We were playing great, but I never said we were going to win. We always just put that mindset in of having that confidence that we could win, just pushed every day to get better.
What have you seen of Pascal Siakam this year? He is their go-to guy now and with me leaving I knew that it would make him better carrying that load. He did last year in some of the games I was out. He’s able to grow now and become the player he wants to be without me being there. He’s going a great job. He’s more aggressive, shooting the three with more confidence and he’s approaching every game with the same mindset.
On the growth of OG Anunoby? I’m happy for him. He’s out there being aggressive, doing his job, shooting the ball great. It’s about your mindset. Not being scared of the moment. That’s when you’re going to get better in a game. He’s shooting shots at practice that you don’t shoot in a game it’s never going to translate. I see him doing that. He worked on his shot and his form is looking a lot better.
Were you conscious of not letting the emotion of the ceremony carryover into the game? It’s my ninth year. I’ve been through a lot of ups and downs of emotions as far as going through playoffs and having bad and good games. It’s kind of like that, kind of controlling it. Coming out in that first four minutes that was in the game plan they were bringing of putting two on the ball when me and Paul were in position, double teaming my post-ups. When that happens I’m going to take my time and just wait for my open shot to come. That’s what I tried to do.
KEY RUN Leading 76-71 with 3:43 remaining in the third, Los Angeles ended the quarter with 12 straight points to lead 88-71 after three … The Clippers led by double figures the entire fourth quarter.
KEY STAT The Clippers’ bench scored 44 points, compared to 18 for Toronto’s reserves … Los Angeles’ second unit combined for 23 points in the second quarter as the Clippers outscored Toronto 37-14 in the period.
RAPTORS NOTES: • With the loss, Toronto falls to 16-8 this season and 9-3 at home … The Raptors have now dropped four of their last five games (Dec. 3-11) … Toronto continues a three-game homestand (Dec. 11-16) Saturday night against the Nets. • The Raptors have lost three in a row at home for the first time since Nov. 29 – Dec. 5, 2015. • Toronto shot .352 (31-for-88) from the field and has shot below 40 per cent from the floor in three of the last five games (Dec. 3-11). • Pascal Siakam scored a game-high 24 points (9-20 FG, 1-4 3PT, 5-5 FT) in 35 minutes … Siakam has scored 20+ points in three of the last four games (Dec. 5-11); averaging 21.5 points during this span. • Norman Powell scored 22 points (7-11 FG, 2-5 3PT, 6-6 FT) in 34 minutes … Powell scored 20+ points for the fifth time this season; something he did four times in 60 games in 2018-19. • The Raptors had four players score double figures – Siakam (24), Powell (22), OG Anunoby (13) and Terence Davis ll (10) … Davis scored 10 or more for the eighth time. • Marc Gasol grabbed a game-high 11 boards – his fourth game with 10+ rebounds this season. • Fred VanVleet missed his second straight game (Dec. 9-11) with a right knee contusion.
CLIPPERS NOTES: • With the win, Los Angeles improves to 19-7 on the season and 6-6 on the road … The Clippers have won three straight games (Dec. 1-11) and are now 5-1 in the month of December … Los Angeles continues a six-game road trip (Dec. 6-14) Friday night at Minnesota. • The Clippers swept the season-series with Toronto for the second time in the last three seasons. • Los Angeles had a 50-47 advantage on the glass and improved to perfect 14-0 this season when out rebounding its opponent. • The Clippers improved to 8-2 this season with both Paul George and Kawhi Leonard in the lineup. • Former Raptor Kawhi Leonard finished with a game-high 23 points, five rebounds and six assists in 31 minutes in his first game back in Toronto. • The Clippers had seven players score in double digits – Leonard (23), Lou Williams (18), Maurice Harkless (14), Paul George (13), Patrick Beverley (11), Patrick Patterson (11) and Montrezl Harrell (10) … Beverley left the game early in the third quarter with a concussion.
On what Andersen brings when he is as strong as he was in tonight’s game:
It just gives our team confidence. We know if we make a mistake he’s going to be there. Obviously, we don’t want to have to rely on him like we did on the breakaways. It’s great that he was up to the challenge for us, of course, those are game-changing saves that you need. I thought, save for those breakaways, that we did a good job of protecting him. Anytime that they were threatening the net, I thought it was happening from the perimeter. We feel pretty strongly that when teams are going to threaten from the perimeter, Freddie is going to handle those quite easily. That’s seemingly the case here of late, so that’s really good for us, but then he made game-changing saves when we needed them.
On if the team is doing a better job of generating offence from the middle of the ice:
Yeah, I think so. This is a game we’re going to have to watch back on video and really look a little closer at everything that happened. A lot of stuff happened pretty quickly out there. That’s the fastest game that I’ve been a part of in the League in terms of the speed and the competitiveness overall in the game, start to finish. So, it’s going to take us a little time to really process everything that happened, but I felt when we got there we were able to make good on the chances and that’s a good sign.
On what led to the breakaways against:
Well, I thought the breakaways, the ones that I’m thinking, come off of turnovers and off of entries where we force the play a little bit to the middle of the ice and then it’s a turnover and a quick transition. That’s part of their strategy today is to just catch us in those transition situations and get us going or get themselves going quickly the other way. We fed into that a little bit and, obviously, don’t like that. But we survive it and get through it and these are very teachable moments for our us so that’s very positive. What I really liked about our team was just how we competed from start to finish through the game. There were mistakes, for sure, but the guys competed really hard today. And then, probably the biggest thing that I’ll take away from it, is just how we composed ourselves late in the third period there enough in the offensive zone to settle the game down, make a play and then virtually end the game with that goal.
On balancing the desire to play Andersen to keep him in a groove with managing his workload:
Yeah, that’s part of it, but the schedule has been favourable for us here in that regard. We’ll look tomorrow just for our whole team – we’re going to give our whole team a day away from the rink tomorrow and regroup after this effort here today knowing that we’ve got two tough games remaining on the trip and we’re getting to that point now where the trip starts to be a bit of a grind on you. So, we’re going to take a day away from the rink tomorrow and use it as a chance to regroup and we’ll make our decision with what we’re going to do for the goaltending.
FREDERIK ANDERSEN (38 SAVES)
On successfully facing numerous breakaways tonight:
Just tried to read off of what they were showing and react.
On if it was a night where he was just seeing the puck well:
Yeah, I think especially on a couple tips in the second. I’ve seen them do that a lot when the Sedins were here, so I don’t know if they’re trying to do that because of them still but definitely had seen that before up here. I was just trying to follow the puck and react, make sure I was in the best position as possible when they did shoot it from up top and remain square on those shots.
JUSTIN HOLL (2 ASSISTS)
On his assist that led to the game’s first goal:
It was a really nice play by [Dermott] to get it started, he was able to carry the puck in with possession and found [Kerfoot] in the corner who found me up top. I was just trying to get a shot through, and the skill players got the goal done. It was good.
On if they tire of seeing Andersen’s performances:
It’s not old, we love to see it, but at the same time we don’t want to give up five breakaways in the third period or whatever we did. That’s kind of embarrassing for us. It’s something we need to clean up but it’s obviously comforting to have him back there.
On what led to Vancouver’s breakaway opportunities:
I’d have to watch them again; I can’t really recall exactly what happened on them. It’s not great.
AUSTON MATTHEWS (1 GOAL)
On the atmosphere in Vancouver tonight and the play of Frederik Andersen:
It was great, atmosphere was great. Obviously, Freddie make some unbelievable saves. We gave up way too many breakaways but, like you said, scoring that first goal gave us a little bit of momentum especially at the end of the period, which gave us momentum heading into the rest of the game.
More on Frederik Andersen:
He’s been great for us. Ideally, we probably don’t want to see him make five breakaway saves in one game but that’s just a credit to him. He was just dialed in, huge saves tonight for us to keep that lead for us and then a couple big goals by Johnny [Tavares].
On Justin Holl’s play:
He’s been great. I think his role has been expanded and he has a little bit more freedom to utilize his skillset. He’s a guy that can obviously skate really well for his size, he’s got a good shot, he sees the ice really well. For how big he is, he can jump into the play and catch other teams on their heels. He’s been really good for us and obviously been a pretty big key on that back end.
MORGAN RIELLY (23:22 TOI)
On what stood out in tonight’s win:
I thought we really competed. I think if you look back at the game there was a lot of speed and I think there were little things that we did in terms of our work ethic that we can be proud of and we want to carry that over.
On if the team is getting more comfortable in their own end:
Yeah, I think so. I think that’s to be expected. When you get a new coach and try to implement a new system, it takes time. Whether that’s D-zone, O-zone, power play, or penalty kill. It takes time to get used to it and obviously the D-zone is a crucial part of the game and it’s starting to come a little bit but, like anything, you’ve just got to stick with it, keep working, pay attention during meetings and making sure the group is grasping it and I think we’re getting there.
JOHN TAVARES (2 GOALS, 1 ASSIST)
On what the team has done well with two wins in a row:
I think at times tonight, especially in the third, we’re trying obviously to be aggressive and be on our toes, but we’ve just got to be a little smarter making some plays to the middle. They’ve got some skilled, quick forwards that were able to get in behind us. Freddie [Andersen] made some big saves and then I think we’re getting more and more comfortable in our own zone just defending when teams seem to gain some momentum. I think we’re still getting a little comfortable once we do get the puck just getting to our outs and exiting. Once that gets a little bit cleaner, I think we’ll only continue to get better from here. Just doing a good job of digging in and defending well when we have to and we’re building confidence in our game and getting a better feel for the way we need to play.
On playing with Matthews after a penalty kill:
Well, I think every shift you try to make an impact but when you’re out there with a guy like [Matthews], you know how dynamic and how dangerous he is. We want to go out there and be productive for the team and make plays when they’re there and obviously, when you get it, you know he’s good at finding open ice and so good at getting his shot off, so just trying to be aware of where he is.
Auston Matthews opened the scoring for the Maple Leafs at 1:45 of the second period. Matthews has goals (3) in two consecutive games. He has 15 points (9 goals, 6 assists) in 12 games against Western Conference opposition and six points (5 goals, 1 assist) in six games against Pacific Division teams. Matthews has seven points (4-3-7) in seven career games against the Canucks.
John Tavares registered the primary assist on Matthews’ second period goal and later scored the second Toronto goal of the game at 19:40 of the second period before notching the third Maple Leafs goal of the night at 14:58 of the third. Tonight’s game is Tavares’ second multi-goal and eighth multi-point performance of the season in 25 games played. His two goals tonight mark his 50th career multi-goal game. In 15 career games against the Canucks, Tavares has 19 points (9 goals, 10 assists).
Zach Hyman scored the fourth Toronto goal of the game into an empty net at 18:16 of the third period. Hyman has goals (4) in three consecutive games. He has scored five goals in 10 games on the road this season. All six of his goals have come against Western Conference opponents.
Justin Holl collected the secondary assist on Matthews’ second period goal and later registered the primary assist on Tavares’ third period goal. Tonight’s game establishes new single-game career-highs for Holl in assists and points with first career multi-assist and multi-point game. He has registered seven (1-6-7) of his 10 points this season on the road.
Cody Ceci recorded the primary assist on Tavares’ second period goal. Ceci has two assists over his last three games. His assist in tonight’s game is his first assist recorded on the road this season.
Mitch Marner had the secondary assist on Tavares’ second period goal and later had the secondary assist on Tavares’ third period goal. Marner has assists (4) in two consecutive games. Tonight’s game is his fifth multi-assist and sixth multi-point performance of the season in 21 games played. He has nine points (3-6-9) in eight games on the road this season. In eight games against Western Conference opposition, Marner has registered 10 points (1-9-10).
Frederik Andersen stopped 38 shots to earn his 15th win of the season.
The Maple Leafs went 2-for-2 on the penalty kill and 0-for-2 on the power play tonight.
Toronto won 62 percent (16 won, 10 lost) of their defensive zone faceoffs.
Kasperi Kapanen and Alex Kerfoot were the lone Toronto skaters to not start a 5-on-5 shift in the offensive zone.
Alex Kerfoot won 71 percent (5 won, 2 lost) of his defensive zone faceoffs.
Morgan Rielly was on the ice for a team-high 22 Toronto shot attempts-for at 5-on-5 tonight. Rielly finished the game with a 5-on-5 shot attempt percentage of 48.9 percent (22 for, 23 against).
John Tavares was 12-for-19 (63%) in the faceoff circle when matched up with Vancouver centre Bo Horvat.
UPCOMING GAMES:
Thursday, December 12, 9:00 p.m. at Calgary Flames (TSN4, TSN 1050)
Saturday, December 14, 7:00 p.m. at Edmonton Oilers (Sportsnet, FAN 590)
Tuesday, December 17, 7:00 p.m. vs. Buffalo Sabres (TSN4, TSN 1050)
Friday, December 20, 7:00 p.m. at New York Rangers (Sportsnet Ontario, FAN 590)
Saturday, December 21, 7:00 p.m. vs. Detroit Red Wings (Sportsnet, FAN 590)
LAC@TOR LA Clippers Coffey, Amir Out G League – Two-Way – Green, JaMychal Doubtful Injury/Illness – Tailbone; Tailbone Contusion – McGruder, Rodney Out Injury/Illness – Right Hamstring; Right Hamstring Strain – Shamet, Landry Out Injury/Illness – Left Ankle; High Left Ankle Sprain – Toronto Raptors Brissett, Oshae Out G League – Two-Way – Hernandez, Dewan Out G League – On Assignment – Johnson, Stanley Out Injury/Illness – Left Groin; Stress reaction – McCaw, Patrick Out Injury/Illness – Left Knee; Surgery – Ponds, Shamorie Out G League – Two-Way – Thomas, Matt Out Injury/Illness – Left Finger; Middle; fracture – distal phalanx – VanVleet, Fred Questionable Injury/Illness – Right Knee; Contusion –
GAME #24 – TORONTO RAPTORS (16-7) vs. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (18-17) WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2019 – 7 P.M. (ET) – SCOTIABANK ARENA TV: TSN / ESPN – RADIO: TSN 1050 TORONTO
RAPTOR NOTES
• The Toronto Raptors begin a three-game homestand (Dec. 11-16) Wednesday night when they host the Los Angeles Clippers at Scotiabank Arena. The Raptors lost the first meeting against the Clippers this season, 98-88, on Nov. 11 in Los Angeles. Pascal Siakam finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds, and the Raptors held the Clippers to 37 per cent shooting from the field in the loss
. • Former Raptor Kawhi Leonard returns to Toronto for the first time since signing as a free agent with the LA Clippers in the summer. Leonard helped the Raptors win the 2019 NBA Championship. He averaged career highs of 26.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 34.0 minutes in 60 games (all starts) last season. Leonard was named to the All-NBA Second Team and NBA All-Defensive Second Team. In the postseason, he posted averages of 30.5 points and 9.1 rebounds in 24 contests, and earned his second Finals MVP.
• Toronto is currently 6-3 vs. the Western Conference, including 3-1 at home. The Raptors are the only Eastern Conference team to finish with a +.500 record against the West each of the past five seasons (201419). Since the start of the 2014-15 campaign, Toronto is 97-62 (.610) vs. the West Conference
. • Chicago shot just .393 (35-for-89) from the field, including .261 (12-for-46) from 3-point range, on Monday night. It marked the ninth time this season the Raptors have held their opponent below 40 percent shooting from the floor (7-2); something they did five times during the regular season last year. Toronto currently ranks second in the NBA in opponent field goal percentage (.414), and seventh in both opponent 3-point field goal percentage (.339) and points allowed per game (105.3).
• Kyle Lowry has played 509 games in a Raptors uniform, tied with Chris Bosh for fourth most in franchise history, behind only DeMar DeRozan (675), MorrisPeterson (542) and Jose Calderon (525). Lowry is the longest-serving member of the Raptors – currently in his eighth season with the club. He ranks first in franchise history in steals (759) and three-point field goals (1,260), second in assists (3,589) and fourth in points (8,865). His five All-Star Game appearances (2015-19), including two as a starter (2015-16), are tied with Vince Carter and Chris Bosh for the most in team history.
• December is Toronto’s busiest month of the season with 16 games and includes three back-to-back sets. The Raptors’ 11 games at Scotiabank Arena tie the franchise record for most home games in a calendar month – Toronto also played 11 games at home in March 2016.
• Serge Ibaka recorded his first double-double of the season with a bench-high 11 points and a season-high 14 rebounds in 19 minutes Dec. 9 at Chicago. Ibaka has now led the reserves in scoring a team-high 10 times this season despite missing 10 games (Nov. 10-29) with a right ankle sprain. Ibaka has come off the bench in 13 games this season after starting 51 times in 74 appearances in 2018-19
. • Toronto snapped a three-game winless streak (Dec. 3-8) with a 93-92 victory Monday night at Chicago. The Raptors have not lost four straight games since the 2017 NBA playoffs and they have not lost four consecutive regular-season games since January 2017 (five). Toronto, Milwaukee and Philadelphia are the only NBA teams that have not had a four-game losing streak in either of the last two regular seasons.
• Recorded 10 points, five rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and two steals in 37 minutes Dec. 9 at Chicago. • Toronto is 11-1 when Anunoby scores 10 or more points (last: 10 – Dec. 9 at Chicago). • Has scored in double figures each of the last two games (Dec. 8-9); averaging 14.5 points during this span.
• Finished with a game-high 22 points and six rebounds in 39 minutes Dec. 9 at Chicago. • Ranks 14th in the NBA in scoring (24.5) and fifth in minutes per game (36.9). • Has scored 30+ points eight times; had five 30-point performances in 80 games played last season.
• Totaled nine points, nine rebounds, five assists, four blocks, and two steals in 29 minutes Dec. 9 at Chicago. • Reached 12,000 career points in the NBA Nov. 16 at Dallas. • Has collected 10+ rebounds three times this season, including a season-high 12 rebounds Nov. 2 at Milwaukee.
• Finished with 17 points, four rebounds, and three assists in 29 minutes Dec. 9 at Chicago. • Averaging 15.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 30.8 minutes in 12 games as a starter. • Has scored in double figures in 13 of the last 16 games (Nov. 8 – Dec. 9); averaging 15.9 points during this span.
• Recorded 11 points, seven rebounds and a team-high seven assists in 39 minutes Dec. 9 at Chicago. • Missed 11 games (Nov. 10 – Dec. 1) with a left thumb; distal phalanx fracture. • Needs one double-double to tie Antonio Davis (110) for third on the Raptors’ all-time list.
INJURY REPORT
Stanley Johnson (Left groin; stress reaction) – Out Patrick McCaw (Left knee; surgery) – Out Matt Thomas (Left middle finger; distal phalanx fracture) – Out Fred VanVleet (right knee contusion) – Questionable
2019-20 RECORDS
W-L
OVERALL EAST WEST
16-7 10-4 6-3
HOME 9-2 6-1 3-1
AWAY 7-5 4-3 3-2
OVERTIME 1-1 0-1 1-0
SERIES RECAP VS. LA CLIPPERS
OVERALL HOME ROAD
2019-20
0-1 0-0 0-1
ALL-TIME
27-20 16-7 11-13
STREAKS Lost 1 Won 1 Lost 1
LAST WIN: February 3, 2019 (121-103)
LAST HOME WIN: February 3, 2019 (121-103)
LARGEST MARGIN OF VICTORY: +25, February 1, 2013
LARGEST MARGIN OF DEFEAT: -32, March 13, 1998
LAST TIME VS. LA CLIPPERS
GAME 10 – NOVEMBER 11, 2019 LA CLIPPERS 98, TORONTO 88
LOS ANGELES — Kawhi Leonard struggled on 2-for-11 shooting and had nine turnovers, but Lou Williams led a big effort from the bench with 21 points and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Toronto Raptors 98-88 … Leonard finished with 12 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists … The Clippers shot just 37% but dominated the boards 66-38, led by 12 each from Patrick Beverley and JaMychal Green … Los Angeles’ bench outscored Toronto’s reserves 56-35 … Leonard missed his first six field goal attempts and finally scored on a coast-to-coast layup midway through the third quarter to put the Clippers up 62-55 … From there, the Raptors outscored Los Angles 23-11 the rest of the period … Pascal Siakam had seven points and Fred VanVleet added five in the spurt as neither team led by more than two until Matt Thomas’ 3-pointer and basket sent the Raptors into the fourth leading 78-73 … Siakam had 16 points and 10 rebounds, Norman Powell added 15 points and VanVleet had 14 points for the injury-depleted Raptors, who had their three-game winning streak snapped … Toronto was 4 of 24 from the floor in a fourth quarter … The Raptors tied the game for the last time at 82 on Chris Boucher’s 3-pointer … They managed just three field goals the rest of the way.
1 2 3 4 TOT
TORONTO 23 23 32 10 88
LA CLIPPERS 15 36 22 25 98
23 FRED VANVLEET
Position: Guard Height: 6-0 Weight: 195 College: Wichita State Birthday: 2/25/1994 NBA EXP: 3
2019-20 SEASON:
• Sat out Dec. 9 at Chicago due to right knee contusion; sustained the injury early in the second quarter Dec. 8 at Philadelphia.
• Became the first player in Raptors history to make at least one 3-point field goal in each of the team’s first 21 games of a season (Oct. 22 – Dec 8), breaking Danny Green’s franchise record of 20 straight games to begin last season. • Scored 21 points and tied a season high with 11 assists Dec. 1 vs. Utah. • Recorded a career-best seven steals Nov. 29 at Orlando.
• Scored 20+ points in three straight games (Nov. 20-25); averaging 24.3 points. • Finished with 25 points and nine assists Nov. 23 at Atlanta; set career highs in both free throws made and attempted (9-for-9).
• Scored 30 points Nov. 13 at Portland. • Logged a career-high 45 minutes Nov. 11 at LA Clippers.
• Recorded second consecutive double-double (Nov. 8-10) with 23 points, 10 assists and a career high-tying seven rebounds Nov. 10 at LA Lakers.
• Totaled 12 points and matched a season high with 11 assists Nov. 8 at New Orleans. • Recorded 13 points and a season-high 11 assists Oct. 30 vs. Detroit.
• Made first career opening night start Oct. 22 vs. New Orleans; scored a career-best 34 points (12-18 FG, 5-7 3PT, 5-6 FT) in 44 minutes. • DNP once.
LAST FIVE GAMES
Date Opp. MIN FG-A 3FG-A FT-A REB AST ST BS PTS
Dec. 1 UTA 32:27 6-10 5-7 4-4 5 11 1 0 21
Dec. 3 MIA 43:24 5-16 3-9 6-7 1 6 3 0 19
Dec. 5 HOU 38:29 7-13 3-7 3-4 6 5 3 1 20
Dec. 8 @PHI 12:07 0-1 0-1 2-2 1 2 1 0 2
Dec. 9 @CHI DNP – Right knee; contusion.
9 SERGE IBAKA
Position: Forward-Centre Height: 6-10 Weight: 235 Country: Republic of Congo Birthday: 9/18/1989 NBA EXP: 10
2019-20 SEASON:
• Tallied 11 points and a season-best 14 rebounds Dec. 9 at Chicago.
• Missed 10 games (Nov. 10-29) due to a right ankle sprain; sustained the injury late in the first half Nov. 8 at New Orleans.
• Led the bench in scoring the first seven games of the season; averaged 14.9 points and scored in double figures six times during this span.
• Scored a season-high 21 points and grabbed six rebounds Nov. 6 vs. Sacramento.
• Blocked a season-best four shots Nov. 2 at Milwaukee.
• Recorded nine points and a then season-high 10 rebounds Oct. 28 vs. Orlando. • Inactive 10 times.
LAST FIVE GAMES
Date Opp. MIN FG-A 3FG-A FT-A REB AST ST BS PTS
Dec. 1 UTA 20:52 5-14 2-5 1-1 4 3 1 0 13
Dec.3 MIA 22:00 4-8 2-3 3-4 9 0 0 1 13
Dec. 5 HOU 17:22 4-10 0-2 2-2 5 2 0 0 10
Dec. 8 @PHI 27:46 5-15 2-5 0-1 7 3 0 0 12
Dec. 9 @CHI 18:32 3-11 1-1 4-4 14 1 0 0 11
0 TERENCE DAVIS ll
Position: Guard Height: 6-4 Weight: 205 College: Mississippi Birthday: 5/16/1997 NBA EXP: R
2019-20 SEASON:
• Scored in double digits in four-of-five games (Nov. 18-27); averaging 13.4 points.
• Finished with 15 points and a team-high five assists Nov. 27 vs. New York; led the team in assists for the first time.
• Set career highs with 19 points (7-10 FG, 3-5 3PT, 2-2 FT) and eight rebounds in 27 minutes Nov. 20 vs. Orlando.
• Recorded 16 points and a career-best seven assists Nov. 18 vs. Charlotte; scored all 16 points in the fourth quarter.
• Totaled five points (2-6 FG, 1-3 3PT) and five rebounds in 15 minutes in NBA debut Oct. 22 vs. New Orleans.
5 Stanley Johnson F 6-7 245 5/29/1996 Arizona / USA 4
7 Kyle Lowry G 6-1 196 3/25/1986 Villanova / USA 13
22 Patrick McCaw G 6-7 185 10/25/1995 UNLV / USA 3
13 Malcolm Miller G-F 6-7 210 3/6/1993 Holy Cross / USA 2
11 Shamorie Ponds* G 6-1 180 6/29/1998 St. John’s / USA R
24 Norman Powell G 6-4 215 5/25/1993 UCLA / USA 4
43 Pascal Siakam F 6-9 230 4/2/1994 New Mexico State / Cameroon 3
21 Matt Thomas G 6-4 190 8/4/1994 Iowa State / USA R
23 Fred VanVleet G 6-0 195 2/25/1994 Wichita State / USA 3
* Two-way player
L.A. Clippers (18-7) at Toronto Raptors (16-7) Regular Season Game 26; Away Game 12 Scotiabank Arena; Toronto, ON Wednesday, December 11, 2019 – 4:00 p.m. (PST) TV: Prime Ticket / ESPN; Radio: AM 570 L.A. Sports
CLIP BOARD • 12/9 at Indiana, Paul George became the first Clipper in franchise history to make 7+ three-pointers and have 7+ rebounds in a game. • 12/3 vs. Portland, the Clippers won their ninth straight home game and improved to an NBA best 13-1 home record. • 12/1 vs. Washington, the Clippers scored 82 first-half points, the most by any team in the NBA this season They finished with 150 points for the second time this season. • 11/27 at Memphis, Lou Williams collected a career-high 13 assists in the contest.
2019-20 Regular Season Stats MIN PTS REB AST STL BLK FG% 3PT% FT% 23.2 5.7 3.5 1.1 1.0 0.8 .483 .366 .500 LAST GAME: Tallied 8 points (3-8 FG, 0-2 3PT, 2-4 FT), 14 rebounds and 1 block in 34:47 minutes.
PLAYER NOTES • Currently ranks fourth on the Clippers in steals (1.0) and in FG% (48.3). • 12/9 at Indiana, appeared in his 500th NBA game setting a first-half career high with nine rebounds. • 11/13 at Houston, made his first start of the season scoring 9 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assist in 24:05 minutes.
54 PATRICK PATTERSON F • 6-8 • 235
2019-20 Regular Season Stats MIN PTS REB AST STL BLK FG% 3PT% FT% 14.0 5.0 2.7 0.8 0.2 0.1 .387 .411 .667 LAST GAME: Tallied 5 points (1-5 FG, 1-4 3PT, 2-2 FT) and 1 steal in 14:52 minutes. PLAYER NOTES • Ranks second on the Clippers in 3 PT FG% (.411) and ninth in rebounds (2.7). • 10/24 at Golden State, set a career high with six 3PM. • Appeared in 63 games for Oklahoma City last season, averaged 3.6 points and 2.3 rebounds in 13.7 minutes.
LAST GAME: Tallied 13 points (5-7 FG, 3-3 FT), 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block in 20:51 minutes.
PLAYER NOTES • Currently second on the Clippers in blocks (1.1) and ranks tied for third in rebounds (6.6). • 11/7 vs. Portland, became the first Clipper to have 15+ points and 13+ rebounds in under 20 minutes of action. • 10/28 vs. Charlotte, tallied a career-high five blocks in the contest.
13 PAUL GEORGE G • 6-8 • 220
2019-20 Regular Season Stats MIN PTS REB AST STL BLK FG% 3PT% FT% 29.7 23.9 6.4 3.6 1.4 0.4 .446 .419 .912 LAST GAME: Tallied 36 points (10-26 FG, 7-16 3PT, 9-11 FT), 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals in 35:45 minutes. PLAYER NOTES • 12/9 at IND, became the first Clipper in franchise history to make 7+ three-pointers and have 7+ rebounds in a game. • 12/8 at WAS, 2nd player in NBA history to have 25+ points, 5+ rebounds, 5+ assists and 4+ steals in under 26 minutes. • 11/16 vs. ATL, scored the most points in a Clippers home debut and was the 1st Clipper to hit 30+ in his first 2 games.
21 PATRICK BEVERLEY G • 6-1 • 180
2019-20 Regular Season Stats MIN PTS REB AST STL BLK FG% 3PT% FT% 29.9 7.6 6.4 3.3 1.5 0.5 .396 .316 .609 LAST GAME: Tallied 11 points (5-7 FG, 1-2 3PT), 5 assists, 12 rebounds and 3 steals in 39:20 minutes. PLAYER NOTES • 12/3 vs. Portland, appeared in his 400th career game tallying 11 points with 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. • 11/20 vs. Boston, became the third guard in NBA history to have 16+ rebounds, 7+ assists, 3+ steals and 2+ blocks. • 11/6 vs. Milwaukee, scored a season-high 20 points in route to collecting his 3,500th point of his career.
2 KAWHI LEONARD FORWARD • 6-7 • 230 • SAN DIEGO ST. • 9
2019-20 • 12/8 at Washington, Leonard became the first Clipper since Blake Griffin on 4/6/11 at OKC to have 30+ points, 10+ rebounds, 5+ assists while shooting at least 65% from the floor. • 11/7 vs Portland, recorded a season-high 13 rebounds. • 10/31 vs San Antonio, became the first Clipper since Blake Griffin on 11/25/15 vs. Utah to have 38+ points and 12+ rebounds. Recorded a double-double with 7:47 remaining in the third quarter. According to Elias, it is the third fastest double-double in his career. Recorded a season high 38 points and 15 FGM. • 10/22 vs Lakers, made his Clippers debut recording 30 points and 6 rebounds in 31 minutes. • Missed three game due to Load Management Knee (10/30, 11/6, 11/14). Missed three game due to left knee contusion (11/14-18). Missed two games due to Injury Management: Left Knee Soreness (11/27, 12/9). 2018-19 • In 60 games (all starts), averaged career highs of 26.6 points and 7.3 rebounds, along with 3.3 assists, 1.8 steals in 34.0 minutes • Tied for sixth in the NBA in scoring, ranked seventh in steals per game and tied for 19th in minutes per game • Inactive 18 times, was a DNP in three games and DND once • Sat out 15 games for injury (rest – load management) • Shot .495 (560-1129) from the floor, .371 (112-302) from three-point distance and a team-high .854 (364-426) at the free throw line • Scored in double digits in all 60 games, 20 or more in 51 contests and 30+ 22 times • Led the team in scoring in 47 games – the most by a player in first season with Toronto • Voted by the fans, media and players as a starter for the 2019 NBA All-Star Game in Charlotte – his third career All-Star selection (all starts); totaled 19 points and five rebounds in 19 minutes • Named Eastern Conference player of the Week twice • Reached 8,000 career points Mar. 14 vs. LA Lakers • Scored 15 of his game-high 38 points in the fourth quarter Mar.1 vs. Portland; made the game-winning jumper with three seconds remaining • Recorded 30 points and a career-high eight assists Feb. 11 vs. Brooklyn; converted the go-ahead jumper with 4.4 seconds left • Scored a team-high 24 points Feb. 5 at Philadelphia; made a career-high 16 free throws and tied a career high with 17 attempts • Led all Eastern Conference players averaging 30.2 points in January – the highest scoring month of his career; joined Vince Carter (30.7, December 2000) as the only players in team history to average 30.0 points in a calendar month • Scored 20+ points in a career-long 22 straight games (Nov. 29 – Jan. 27) • Named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for games played Jan. 7-13; averaged team highs of 30.7 points and 8.7 rebounds in three wins • Scored a career-high 45 points (16-22 FG, 13-17 FT) Jan. 1 vs. Utah; also set career highs in made field goals (16) and free throws attempted (17) • Sat out two games with a bruised right hip (Dec. 11- 12) • Posted a double-double in a career-long three straight games (Nov. 23-27) • Had 31 points and a season-high 15 rebounds, including a career-high 14 defensive rebounds, Nov. 16 at Boston; became the third player in franchise history to record 30+ points and 15+ rebounds in the same game, along with Vince Carter and Chris Bosh • Missed two games (Nov. 4-5) due to left ankle soreness • Contributed 24 points and a team high-tying 12 rebounds in 37 minutes in Raptors debut Oct. 17 vs. Cleveland. • PLAYOFFS: Averaged 30.5 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists during 24 playoff games while shooting 29% from the field. • Won the NBA Championship and captured the Finals MVP honor • In 24 games he recorded two games with 40+ points, 12 games with 30+ points and eight games with 20+ points. • Recorded nine double-doubles
DATE OPP. W/L MIN FG FGA 3FG 3FGA FT FTA OR- DR- TOT A ST BS TO PF PTS
9-Dec at IND W Inactive – Injury Management: Left Knee Soreness
8-Dec at WAS W 31:36 12 18 3 6 7 8 0 11 11 5 1 0 4 2 34
6-Dec at MIL L 29:30 5 14 1 2 6 6 1 4 5 4 2 2 5 0 17
3-Dec vs POR W 28:08 3 15 2 5 3 4 1 8 9 5 2 0 1 0 11
1-Dec vs WAS W 26:28 14 21 2 5 4 4 2 4 6 3 1 0 1 3 34
23 LOU WILLIAMS GUARD • 6-1 • 175 • SOUTH GWINNETT HS (GA) • 15 2019-20:
• 11/27 at Memphis, recorded a career-high 13 assists.
• 11/6 vs Milwaukee, recorded a season high in points (34), rebounds (6), assists (11), FGM (9) and 3PM (4). 2018-19:
• 4/15 at Golden State, logged playoff career-highs in points (36) and assists (11) in Game 2. His 29-point second half is a franchise postseason record for any half and his 17 point third quarter tie the Clippers franchise postseason record for points in a quarter. He became the the second player since 1985 to log 30+ points and 10+ assists off the bench in a playoff game
. • 4/13 at Golden State, Montrezl Harrell (26) and Williams (25) became the first pair of reserve teammates on record to each score 25+ points in a postseason game (bench stats first recorded in 1970-71). LA’s reserves tallied 65 points, the ninth-most of any team in a postseason game since 1985.
• 4/7 at Golden State, started in his first game of the season and 20th as a Clipper.
• 3/26 at Minnesota, recorded his 182nd career game with 20+ points off the bench, tying Ricky Pierce for 2nd-most-all-time.
• 3/17 vs Brooklyn, recorded his first career game-winning walkoff buzzer beater.
• 3/11 vs Boston, passed Dell Curry to became the NBA’s all-time leading bench scorer. He finished the night with 34 points and a season-high 14 FGM. He also became the 4th player in 35 years to score 34+ points off the bench in consecutive games and the fourth to score 34+ points in 23 minutes or fewer.
• 3/8 vs Oklahoma City, recorded his second 40+ point game off the bench, moving past Jamal Crawford for No. 2 most bench points on record. He also recorded his 13,000 career point and a season-high four steals. This game is Williams’ 28th career game with 30+ points off the bench passing Ricky Pierce for most on record.
• 2/22 at Memphis, tied Terry Dehere (262) for No. 11 on the Clippers all-time three-pointers made leader board.
• 2/13 vs Phoenix, became the only player in NBA history to record 30 points and 10 assists in fewer than 23 minutes played. He also tied Ricky Pierce for most 30+point games off the bench (27).
• 2/11 at Minnesota, recorded a season-high 45 points and tied his career-high of 16 made free-throws. His 45 points are the most by any • player off the bench since 2009, and mark his NBA record fourth career game with 40+ points off the bench. Only eight reserves have • reached 45 points in a single game over the last 35 seasons.
• 1/25 at Chicago, recorded the first triple double of his career while matching his career-high of 10 rebounds. He is the second player in NBA history (Detlef Schrempf) to record a 30+ point triple double off the bench. At 904 career games, only one player in league history • (Zach Randolph) has notched their first career • triple-double later in their career. • 1/14 vs New Orleans, marked his 900th career game, making him one of only three players since 1985-86 to appear • in over 900 games, but start in fewer than 125 (Steve Kerr, Dell Curry) • 11/8 at Portland, notched his 12,00th career point in the 1st Q.
• 10/30 at Oklahoma City, became the third player since 1970-71 to score over 10,000 career points off the bench • (Dell Curry and Jamal Crawford). • Missed one game (3/28) due to load management. Missed four games (12/11 – 12/17) due to a sore left • hamstring. Left 12/10 at Phoenix early due to injury. Missed two games (1/18-1/20) due to a sore right hamstring.
DATE OPPONENT W/L MIN FG FGA 3FG 3FGA FT FTA OR- DR- TOT A ST BS TO PF PTS
9-Dec at IND W 32:32 2 19 0 5 2 2 0 1 1 6 0 1 1 2 6
8-Dec at WAS W 29:49 7 17 2 5 2 2 0 1 1 6 0 0 1 1 18
6-Dec at MIL L 23:13 5 13 1 4 0 0 0 1 1 3 0 0 5 2 11
3-Dec vs POR W 25:15 4 14 0 4 1 1 0 4 4 7 1 0 3 2 9
1-Dec vs WAS W 23:17 6 10 2 3 8 9 0 1 1 8 0 0 4 1 22
• 12/1 vs Washington, recorded a career-high 15 rebounds. This was the first time that he recorded a double-double in the first half (12 points/10 rebounds). He also became the first player in Clippers history to have 20+ points and 15+ rebounds off the bench.
• 11/24 vs New Orleans, matched his career-high of 34 points and became the fourth player in NBA History to have 34+ points, 12+ rebounds, and 2+ blocks off the bench.
• 11/18 vs Oklahoma City, became the seventh Clipper in team history to finish with 28 points, 12 rebounds (including a career-best eight on the offensive glass) and five assists.
• 11/6 vs Milwaukee, recorded a career-high 34 points as well as season-highs in assists (5) and FGM (13). He also became the first Clipper since Blake Griffin to record 30+ points, 12+ total rebounds and 6+ offensive rebounds. 2018-19
• 4/15 at Golden State recorded a franchise record for most makes without a miss in a playoff game and recorded a career playoff-high of 10 rebounds.
• 4/13 at Golden State, tallied a playoff career-high 26 points, in addition to five rebounds, two blocks and two steals in Game 1. He’s the second player since 1985 to log 25+ points, 5+ rebounds, 2+ blocks and 2+ steals off the bench in a postseason game (Blair Rasumussen, 4/22/86) and the only player to do so in 30 or fewer minutes played. Lou Williams (25) and Harrell (26) became the first pair of reserve teammates on record to each score 25+ points in a postseason game (bench stats first recorded in 1970-71). LA’s reserves tallied 65 points, the ninth-most of any team in a postseason game since 1985
•3/19 vs Indiana, recorded his 17th double-double of the season and 20th of his career. •2/27 at Utah, recorded his 1,000 career rebound. • 1/20 at San Antonio, made first start of the season and scored 18 points, his most in 19 career starts. • 1/8 vs Charlotte, became the only player to log 20+ points, 10+ rebounds, 5+ assists and 2+ steals off the bench this season.
• 12/23 at Golden State, reached 2,000 career points in 3,551 minutes, becoming one of nine active players to reach 2,000 points in as few minutes behind Vince Carter, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, Kyrie Irving, Karl-Anthony Towns, Joel Embiid and Donovan Mitchell.
• 12/22 vs Denver, recorded his 10th 20-point game and eighth double-double of the season, finishing the night with 20 points and 10 rebounds. He also became one of five players since 1984-85 and the first player in Clippers history (1984-present) with 20+ points and 10 rebounds in under 20 minutes
. • 12/2 at Dallas, marked his third time in his career with consecutive 20+ point games (3/6/18-3/9/18, 11/10-11/12). • 11/20 at Washington, scored 14 points in the 4th Q, which marks the highest scoring 4th Q of his career.
• 11/19 at Atlanta, recorded career-highs of five steals and 15 made free-throws. Became only player in NBA history with 25+ points, 11+ rebounds, 5+ steals & 2+ blocks as a sub.
DATE OPPONENT W/L MIN FG FGA 3FG 3FGA FT FTA OR- DR- TOT A ST BS TO PF
PTS 9-Dec at IND W 29:44 12 22 0 0 2 5 3 5 8 1 0 1 1 3 26
8-Dec at WAS W 25:11 8 12 0 1 4 7 2 3 5 0 0 1 1 3 20
6-Dec at MIL L 23:34 3 7 0 0 5 7 2 5 7 2 0 1 0 3 11
3-Dec vs POR W 29:50 11 13 0 0 4 12 4 5 9 1 1 0 0 3 26
1-Dec vs WAS W 27:18 9 15 0 2 5 9 3 12 15 1 1 1 2 0 23
CONNECTIONS: • Clippers guard Lou Williams played the 2014-15 season with the Raptors, winning the NBA’s Kia Sixth Man of the Year Award. • Raptors guard Norman Powell played collegiately for four seasons at UCLA. • Clippers assistant Rex Kalamian coached Raptors forward Serge Ibaka in the same capacity in Oklahoma City for six seasons (2009-15). • Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard spent last season with the Toronto Raptors, winning the 2019 NBA Championship. • Clippers forward Patrick Patterson spent parts of four seasons as a member of the Toronto Raptors (2014-17). • Clippers forward JaMychal Green and Raptors center Marc Gasol were teammates on the Memphis Grizzlies for parts of five seasons (2015-19).
CLIPPERS 2019-20 ROSTER
NO. PLAYER POS HT WT BIRTHDATE PRIOR TO NBA/HOME COUNTRY YRS
21 Patrick Beverley G 6’1″ 180 7/12/1988 Arkansas / USA 7
7 Amir Coffey (2W) G 6’7″ 210 6/17/1997 Minnesota / USA R
13 Paul George F 6’8″ 220 5/2/1990 Fresno State / USA 9
4 JaMychal Green F 6’8″ 220 6/21/1990 Alabama / USA 5
8 Maurice Harkless F 6’7″ 208 5/11/1993 St.Johns / USA 7
25 Mfiondu Kabengele F 6’9″ 250 8/14/1997 Florida State / Canada R
2 Kawhi Leonard F 6’7″ 225 6/29/1991 San Diego State / USA 8
14 Terance Mann G 6’5″ 215 10/15/1996 Florida State/ USA R
19 Rodney McGruder G 6’4″ 205 7/29/1991 Kansas State/ USA 3
15 Johnathan Motley (2W) F 6’8″ 230 5/4/1995 Baylor / USA 2
54 Patrick Patterson F 6’8″ 235 3/14/1989 Kentucky/ USA 9
1 Jerome Robinson G 6’4″ 190 2/22/1997 Boston College / USA 1
20 Landry Shamet G 6’5″ 190 3/13/1997 Wichita State/ USA 1
10 Derrick Walton Jr. G 6’0″ 185 4/3/1995 Michigan/USA 1
23 Lou Williams G 6’1″ 175 10/27/1986 South Gwinnett HS (GA) / USA 14
40 Ivica Zubac C 7’0″ 265 3/18/1997 Mega Leks (Serbia)/ Croatia 3
Head Coach Doc Rivers Marquette
Assistant Coaches Tyronn Lue Nebraska Rex Kalamian Cal Poly Pomona Sam Cassell Florida State Brendan O’Connor Saint Anselm Armond Hill Princeton Casey Hill Trinity University John Welch UNLV Jeremy Castleberry SDSU J.P. Clark Flagler Vice President of Player Performance / Assistant Coach Todd Wright Springfield Vice President, Integrated Development & Evaluation Dee Brown Jacksonville University Director of Rehabilitation Maggie Bryant Minnesota Director of Medical Services/Head Athletic Trainer Jasen Powell Cal Poly Pomona Assistant Athletic Trainer Tommy Murdock Chapman University Head Strength & Conditioning Coach Daniel Shapiro Seattle Pacific University Strength & Conditioning Coach Brent Tanaka UCLA
PEBBLE BEACH, CALIF. — Mike Babcock is not Bill Peters. He’s not Marc Crawford. He’s not even Jim Montgomery. A firestorm of inappropriate conduct has engulfed the hockey world ever since the Toronto Maple Leafs relieved Babcock of his coaching duties three weeks ago. And while Babcock has been similarly criticized for what some have […]
JAYDEN NELSON NAMED 2019 CANADIAN YOUTH INTERNATIONAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Canada Soccer announced today that Toronto FC II forward Jayden Nelson has been named 2019 Canadian Youth International Player of the Year, becoming the first Toronto FC player to win the award.
Nelson, 17, represented the Canadian National Team at the Concacaf Men’s U-17 Championship, where he scored five goals (including a hat-trick against Guatemala) in six appearances as Canada qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup for the first time since 2013. At the U-17 World Cup in Brazil, Nelson appeared in all three of Canada’s games and was selected Canada’s Player of the Match vs. New Zealand, in the team’s final Group A match.
Nelson appeared in 14 matches for Toronto FC II during the 2019 USL League One regular season. He made his professional debut on April 6, 2019, when he came off the bench against Orlando City B.
— Prolific Boston writer will be posthumously honored July 24-27 during Hall of Fame Weekend in Cooperstown —
Nick Cafardo, who informed and entertained New England’s passionate baseball fan base for more than 35 years up to the last day of his life, was elected the 2020 winner of the J.G. Taylor Spink Award in balloting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. His career will be honored with the award that is presented annually to a sportswriter “for meritorious contributions to baseball writing” during the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s Induction Weekend July 24-27, 2020 in Cooperstown, N.Y.
Cafardo received 243 votes from the 427 ballots cast by BBWAA members with 10 or more consecutive years’ service in becoming the 71st winner of the award since its inception in 1962 and named for the first recipient. Spink was a driving force of the Sporting News, known during his lifetime as the “Baseball Bible.”
Jim Reeves, an award-winning columnist and baseball writer in a 40-year career with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, received 108 votes. Patrick Reusse, who has spent the better part of 45 years writing about baseball in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, got 76.
A Weymouth Mass., native and Suffolk University graduate, Cafardo worked at the Brockton Enterprise and the Quincy Patriot-Ledger before joining the Boston Globe as baseball columnist in 1989. Nick inherited the Sunday notes column, founded by 2004 Spink Award recipient Peter Gammons in the early 1970s, and did not miss a single week over the final 15 years of his career. Cafardo made virtually every Red Sox trip and covered more than 30 World Series, All-Star Games and Winter Meetings.
Cafardo covered Red Sox World Series victories in 2004, 2007, 2013 and 2018. When the Red Sox and Dodgers played 18 innings in Game 3 of the 2018 Series at Dodger Stadium, Nick turned to colleagues with the score tied at the start of the 18th and remarked, “Isn’t this great?” Then he made deadline (Eovaldi Heroic in Defeat) in a game that ended at 3:30 a.m. Boston time. Cafardo wrote four baseball books and won the Massachusetts Sportswriter of the Year Award in 2014 and the Boston Baseball Writers’ Dave O’Hara Award in 2017.
Cafardo’s final baseball article, a column about World Series MVP Steve Pearce, appeared in the Globe Feb. 21, 2019. Cafardo was scheduled to be off that day but went to the ballpark anyway and died outside the Red Sox’ spring training clubhouse. He was 62. He is the first posthumous winner of the award since his Boston Globe colleague, Larry Whiteside, in 2008.
Previous Spink Award Recipients
2019 Jayson Stark; 2018 Sheldon Ocker; 2017 Claire Smith; 2016 Dan Shaughnessy; 2015 Tom Gage; 2014 Roger Angell; 2013 Paul Hagen; 2012 Bob Elliott; 2011 Bill Conlin; 2010 Bill Madden; 2009 Nick Peters; 2008 Larry Whiteside; 2006 Rick Hummel; 2005 Tracy Ringolsby; 2004 Peter Gammons; 2003 Murray Chass; 2002 Hal McCoy; 2001 Joe Falls; 2000 Ross Newhan; 1999 Hal Lebovitz; 1998 Bob Stevens; 1997 Sam Lacy; 1996 Charley Feeney; 1995 Joseph Durso; 1993 Wendell Smith; 1992 Leonard Koppett, Bus Saidt; 1991 Ritter Collett; 1990 Phil Collier; 1989 Jerome Holtzman; 1988 Bob Hunter, Ray Kelly; 1987 Jim Murray; 1986 Jack Lang; 1985 Earl Lawson; 1984 Joe McGuff; 1983 Ken Smith; 1982 Si Burick; 1981 Bob Addie, Allen Lewis; 1980 Joe Reichler, Milton Richman; 1979 Bob Broeg, Tommy Holmes; 1978 Tim Murnane, Dick Young; 1977 Gordon Cobbledick, Edgar Munzel; 1976 Harold Kaese, Red Smith; 1975 Tom Meany, Shirley Povich; 1974 John Carmichael, James Isaminger; 1973 Warren Brown, John Drebinger, John F. Kieran; 1972 Dan Daniel, Fred Lieb, J. Roy Stockton; 1971 Frank Graham; 1970 Heywood C. Broun; 1969 Sid Mercer; 1968 H.G. Salsinger; 1967 Damon Runyon; 1966 Grantland Rice; 1965 Charles Dryden; 1964 Hugh Fullerton; 1963 Ring Lardner; 1962 J.G. Taylor Spink.
Before we get to The Return of the King (non-LeBron version) and all of the hoopla that will surround Kawhi Leonard’s lone trip back to Toronto this season (barring a Finals meeting, of course), we unfortunately need to reflect on Monday’s hideous contest in Chicago and Sunday’s much more entertaining (but still not rewatchable) game…
The view from left field 