It’s probably safe to say Enes Kanter no longer is in Kevin Durant’s corner, if he ever was at all. In case you missed it, Durant harshly criticized his former Thunder teammates during a recent appearance on “All The Smoke,” a podcast co-hosted by ex-NBA players Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. Durant, who played with…
Enes Kanter Has Perfect Reaction To Kevin Durant’s Anti-Thunder Comments — NESN.com
Los Angeles Clippers Kawhi Leonard (2) drives the ball around Minnesota Timberwolves’ Jarrett Culver in the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs) Los Angeles Clippers Paul George (13) tries to shoot against Minnesota Timberwolves’ Naz Reid in the second half of an NBA basketball game…
Kawhi Leonard, Clippers fall to new-look Timberwolves — Press Telegram
TORONTO MARLIES (23-20-3-2 – 51 Points) vs. ROCHESTER AMERICANS (27-15-2-4 – 60 Points)
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2020
| 1 | 2 | 3 | OT | FINAL | |
| ROCHESTER | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 |
| TORONTO | 1 | 1 | 2 | – | 4 |
GAME SUMMARY | GAME SHEET | PHOTOS | SCRUMS
SCORING SUMMARY
Rochester: No goals
Goaltender: A. Hammond (21/23)
Toronto: M. Marchment (9) (N. Petan, T. Kivihalme), M. Marchment (10) PP (K. Agostino, J. Duszak), M. Read (6) EN (G. Wilson), J. Duszak (2) EN (T. Gaudet, K. Gravel)
Goaltender: J. Woll (38/38)
ON THE SCORESHEET
OF NOTE…
REGULAR SEASON LEADERS
HOME SWEET HOME
RECORD WHEN…
CURRENT POINT STREAKS
MARLIES UPDATES.
RECENT TRANSACTIONS
POSTGAME QUOTES
HEAD COACH GREG MOORE
On today’s start with Marchment scoring 52 seconds into the game:
Yeah, that’s something that we had struggled with in the stretch here. You could tell the energy in the locker room. The guys were excited to play tonight, they can feel the momentum they’re starting to gain in games. Even though the results haven’t been there, they’re very proud of the work they’ve put in. The start was great. It was a good opportunity for us to come out and gain some momentum.
On what he likes about Nic Petan’s line with Kenny Agostino and Mason Marchment:
Just their compete level. They seemed to build some chemistry. Marchment builds a lot of time and space for guys. He gets under the skin of the opponent and that opens up time and space for Kenny and Petey to make plays and I think there’s a good combination of skill there.
On the shutout helping Joseph Woll’s confidence going forward:
Huge. He came up big tonight. You could just tell his body language was really calm, he was assertive, he was tracking the puck really well. It was a solid game for him.
On Adam Brooks not dressing and Nic Petan leaving the game:
We’ll see. No real status or timeline on either of them. Nothing major but we definitely miss those guys if they’re not in our lineup, they’re big players. But we’ll see in the future.
On Kevin Gravel’s play today (first game since Nov. 9):
I was really surprised. That was my first opportunity to even watch him play in a game. It’s been a long road, we’re really proud of the work he’s put in. He’s a great person. For the team to get a win, for him to play the way he did, to get the minutes he did, is a really fun story to see and we’re really proud of him.
KEVIN GRAVEL (1 ASSIST)
On his first game since Nov. 9:
It was good. It was good to get back out there. It was another game of the year for a lot of guys but for me, it kind of meant a little more. Kind of in an unknown position there for a while in terms of health so you don’t really know what’s going to happen. It felt good to be out there and then to contribute to the team and be back on the ice to play a game again.
On not playing through a difficult stretch of games for the Marlies:
Yeah it’s hard to watch. Obviously you want to be there for the guys and you want to be able to work through that with them and help the guys out. You’re close as a team and you go through the good times together and you go through the bad times together. You can ask anyone, they don’t like watching, whether it’s one game or three months. It’s always tough to be on the sidelines. It was good to get back, it was good to be on the ice again.
On Joseph Woll’s performance:
It was really good, really good. Especially the first period there, they had close to I think 20 shots on goal in the first. Kind of bought us a little bit of time there and let us get a chance to get our feet underneath us. We got the lead there and he made a couple of ten-bell saves for us on the PP and the PK as well. He was great for us. It’s good to be able to shut the door for him and get him that shutout and have his back there too.
JOSEPH WOLL (SECOND CAREER SHUTOUT, 38 SAVES)
On the significance of today’s shutout:
I think it was big for me but I think it was really huge for the team. I think we’ve been on a little bit of a downward spiral lately so I think a big win like that against a good team is something we can really build on.
On how he has stayed focused through difficult games:
I think the biggest thing is keeping with your routine. I think it’s easy to start changing a lot of things when you’re going through some adversity but for me and for the team it’s just been come in every day and keep getting better and sticking with it.
On Mason Marchment:
He’s been awesome. He’s one of those players that you love to have on your team and probably hate to play against so he can do it all really. He’s scoring a lot of big goals for us, he’s creating some havoc around the net. I love to see it.
NEXT GAME:
February 9 vs Laval – 4:00 p.m. ET
February 14 at Belleville – 7:00 p.m. ET
February 15 vs Belleville – 4:00 p.m. ET
February 17 vs Binghamton – 3:00 p.m. ET (Scotiabank Arena)
February 19 vs Binghamton – 11:00 a.m. ET
(23-28) BROOKLYN NETS, 118 VS. (39-14) TORONTO RAPTORS, 119 SCOTIABANK ARENA SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2020
TORONTO RAPTORS QUOTES
NICK NURSE (HEAD COACH)
On running out of gas towards the end of the game … You’re right – we were, we didn’t make a three, I don’t think, forever, it seemed like there in the fourth. We had a couple of point-blank front- of- the-rimmers and we all knew it. We talked about it in a couple of the timeouts, man, we gotta gather everything we’ve got when we get it inside and try to finish, but we couldn’t quite do it. Big stop at the end, good job of pressing up and getting him disjointed down there.
On playing Matt Thomas for 15 straight minutes and continuously getting big performances from guys that never play … Our assistant coaches do a great job of keeping those guys ready. I think the mindset of you never know and stay ready maybe helps a little bit once in a while. When you don’t hit the scouting report because you haven’t played for a while too, so that is the other thing. He played great, man he came in there and like always every time he raises up you think it’s going in and he banged a bunch of them in. That was a big lift. That group was awesome, first half. They were incredible, they turned a lacklustre start to the game into an energetic game and they were great.
On starting Terence Davis … I just wanted the spacing, and he has been shooting the ball really well and I just wanted the spacing out there along with kind of considering Pat (McCaw) our backup point guard. I wanted him to be able to come in and sub for either him or Fred (VanVleet) and go from there.
On leaving the bench in the game with Brooklyn brought their starters back … I thought they were playing with great defensive energy, getting out on the open floor and they guarded great for about six straight minutes. They did their job, got it the down to about five and a half or something and we started filtering the guys. It was just based on their energy really, they had it going defensively and that was creating some offence for them.
FRED VANVLEET (29 points, six assists, two rebounds)
On tonight’s final minutes… Obviously it’s not a textbook way to close out a game, but when you have a long winning streak like that there will be different types of ways to finish it. We had a good idea they were probably going to give the ball to Caris (LeVert) in some sort of fashion and try to switch everything. I thought we did a good job of stopping their initial play that they were trying to give to Joe Harris for a pin down or something like that and then OG (Anunoby) was just great (with) one-on-one defence. We did give up an offensive rebound, he had a good look in the end, but it bounced out, so sometimes it’s good to be lucky too.
On the bench play… Those guys can play. I feel like we’ve had this conversation five to 10 times this year. It’s a good thing. Every time they step up and they play well people are surprised because they’re at the end of the bench, but you just have to wait for your turn (and) wait for (the) opportunity. Somebody like Matt (Thomas), who doesn’t’ really play on a consistent basis, stepped up there with a big first half, some key buckets. Obviously Terence (Davis) started tonight, but same thing with him. Those guys have been good for us all year; Rondae (Hollis-Jefferson), Chris (Boucher), and to do it on consistent nights … it’s special and that’s what we need out of those guys.
MATT THOMAS (15 points, six rebounds)
How much easier is it to get in a rhythm when you’re out there for an extended period of time? (For) any athlete when you get in the zone and you get in that rhythm, obviously it’s a lot easier. The game comes a lot naturally and you just play a lot more confident.
What is it about this team that makes everyone pretty comfortable with playing with different guys? I think it’s just a testament to how hard everyone works on the team. Everyone stays ready. We have a very deep and talented team and everyone is more than capable of coming in and making plays. Also, just shows the chemistry we have on this team. We’re all so good at playing off each other and everyone plays unselfishly and plays the right way.
BROOKLYN NETS QUOTES
KENNY ATKINSON (HEAD COACH)
In a game like that what stands out: the comeback or the deficit? Missed opportunities. On the road, I think 34, 33, 34 points is a lot to give up. It’s a lot to make up. The fourth quarter was fantastic. We held them to 19 points defensively. We obviously started to make some shots. That’s what got us back in it. I don’t think you can dig yourself a 20-point hole against a really good team like this.
How about DeAndre Jordan’s fourth quarter? He was our defensive anchor. I felt like we weren’t getting that resistance and he anchored our defence. He did a good job on (Serge) Ibaka, was patrolling the paint, he got us back in the game with his defence.
On the last possession… We wanted to go quicker. I think guys got into a little bit. You want to go as quick as possible. We wanted to get a good shot at the end of the day.
Did you want to them to get to the rim if possible? There were a couple of options on the play. They took away the first option. Joe was the second option coming off to stagger if we didn’t get him, and Caris went one-on-one
What do you think of the Raptors run? Incredible depth. Gasol is out, this guy is out, this guy is out. That’s a true sign of not only a good basketball team but a good program when you can have the injuries they’ve sustained and go deep into your roster. You’re going 11th man, 12th man. McCaw plays well. Boucher was really good tonight. They have young guys that are deep in their roster that have helped them win the game. That’s how you go on a long streak in this league. You can’t just do it with your top five or your top six, you’ve got to be deep. They are deep. They are playing great basketball.
On Caris LeVert’s progress… I said it when he wasn’t playing well, he’s going to catch his rhythm. He caught his rhythm and he’s doing it consistently now. It’s game after game after game. That’s kind of the all-star Caris we saw at the beginning of last year and the playoffs last year. It’s great to see and it’s great news for the Nets.
SPENCER DINWIDDIE (21 points, 11 assists, six rebounds)
What turned the game and allowed the Nets to get back in it? Finally in the fourth quarter we started getting stops. Obviously Caris was phenomenal offensively for us. Just our collective energy and effort beyond Caris’ offensive outburst was what got us back into the game.
Does the early deficit make this loss that much more disappointing? Definitely. If we had have played good defence the first three quarters – and credit Toronto, they are obviously a great basketball team, making shots and doing this to a lot of people – but 30-plus the first three quarters and then 19 in the fourth is tale of the tape right there.
Are there any positives to take from this loss? I don’t think we’re in the business of moral victories. We’re a playoff team as well. I think if you had asked me that two years ago we probably would’ve been like, “yeah, we played well. We fought. We’re a young group and we’re figuring it out.” We’re a playoff team. We need to figure out how to beat these teams that could be our first round matchup. We could play them, what, next week, four more or five more, six more times in the playoffs, right? You’ve got to be ready for that.
HEAD COACH SHELDON KEEFE
On the third period:
Yeah, we scored that goal, it sets us up to give us a chance to win in the third. The pace of play increased dramatically after that goal. Obviously, they’re pushing. We didn’t handle it well, I thought. When I say that, I thought we handled it very well defensively. I didn’t think we cracked, they had a couple of little chances in and around our net. Other than that, they didn’t have anything, I thought. They score a goal on a point shot. But I didn’t like how we played offensively where we had the puck, we did all the things that we don’t want to be as a team and we just gave it back to them, so we never had a chance to get going.
On if fatigue played a role in the third period:
I’ll let you guys draw some conclusions on that. I’m not focused on that. It’s part of the League. It’s part of the demands of what goes on in the schedule, the ebbs and flows of it. I thought we played a good game and a hard game. I thought we competed. What happens in the third period today is a lot different than what happens yesterday. Yesterday we’re not engaged, we’re not competitive or physical enough and on our heels. This game here I thought we defended very well, defended very hard and didn’t give up the middle of the ice much at all. We just were very poor with the puck. When you have a team that’s pushing, they have the energy of the crowd and you just continuously give them the puck you’re going to be on your heels a lot.
On Jack Campbell’s play:
Yeah, he was there, he obviously didn’t let anything in until the very end and I thought we did a heck of a job protecting him. We didn’t give up very many scoring chances through this game at all. But they’re back-to-back games, he’s been through a lot here this week and he was solid.
On what has led to John Tavares’ scoring streak:
He’s just catching on. We’ve talked about him, he’s a good player, he’s going to have these swings. It’s kind of a waste of time to talk about it when he’s not scoring, because it’s going to turn. So it’s the way that it goes. It’s been great, it’s been good timing. Obviously, we played it out Willy this weekend, so we needed somebody else to step up. And, for me, that’s really the difference in the hockey game today is you don’t win games when you score one goal, it’s very difficult. So I think that’s the way it went this game. We were not able to generate enough offensively in the first and second periods as well. Power play wasn’t very good for us today. So we let that team hang around and when you just have a one goal cushion like that, you leave the door open over for a point shot to catch you.
On Frederik Andersen’s status:
I’m not quite sure where that’s at. I know he did skate again today. While we were here, he skated, and I haven’t got a report on it. So we’ll just have to see how he is when we get back.
TYSON BARRIE (25:02 TOI)
On the third period:
Yeah, give them credit, they came out — we had a good start to the third, obviously, we got one and then from there they kind of controlled the period had us on our heels, like you said. I think we have to do a better job of responding in a way. Getting more O-zone time and not letting them sustain so much pressure but, at the end of the day, we’re trying to hold on to the lead and they get one with two minutes left or whatever. It’s a bit frustrating.
On Jack Campbell’s play:
He was great tonight. He was good all night and makes a great save on the breakaway and it pops right to the guy. Probably not a great shot selection by me on that 3-on-2 but that’s sometimes the way 3-on-3 goes. You’ve got to be a little smarter sometimes.
JACK CAMPBELL (28 SAVES)
On playing in a Toronto-Montreal game:
It’s fun. What a rivalry. Historic and two really solid teams this year. I thought both teams competed really hard and didn’t give each other much. I thought Price at the other end was so solid and we could have easily had a couple more, but at the end of the day I’ve just got to make one more save before overtime and we get two points and that’s what we need right now.
On his performance tonight:
I’m just definitely not happy giving that one up to give them life again and blow that lead in the third. I just know my ability and I’m confident with my team in front of me and they battled all night. One more save and we get two points.
JAKE MUZZIN (24:39 TOI)
On if playing a back-to-back impacted the team’s third period performance:
Maybe a little bit. No excuse, though. Everyone goes through back-to-backs and playing tired and stuff like that. We’ve got to bear down and get it done.
On his long second period shift that included a heavy shot block:
Well, it doesn’t feel good. It’s part of hockey. Sometimes in the second period, you get a long change, you can’t get off. It happens both ways, so it is what it is.
JOHN TAVARES (1 GOAL)
On tonight’s third period:
Yeah, obviously we got the lead. They came with a lot momentum, I think, felt some desperation. I think obviously, it’s human nature to be a little bit safer in those certain circumstances, but certainly we’ve got to find a way to get on their half of the ice more and generate some more offense and push to increase our lead and continue to be smart with the puck and defensively. No question the circumstances were tough, but you face that at times this year and, we’ve obviously got to find a way to close them out.
On what the team did well defensively through two periods:
I really liked the way we were coming back and getting above them. We really tracked the puck well and caused a lot of turnovers that allowed us to get some good transition that just allowed us to be in on the forecheck and recover pucks and then be able to break them down. We would have liked to get in the middle of the ice a little bit more, but it was a tight hockey game, both goalies played well, but those things obviously were a good factor for us.
FINAL SCORE: TORONTO RAPTORS 119, BROOKLYN NETS 118
DATE: FEBRUARY 8, 2020 ATTENDANCE: 19,800 (Sellout)
FINAL SCORE RECORD HIGH POINTS HIGH REBOUNDS HIGH ASSISTS Brooklyn 118 23-28 LeVert – 37 Jordan – 14 Dinwiddie – 11
Toronto 119 39-14 VanVleet – 29 Davis ll – 8 VanVleet – 6
KEY RUN
Trailing 36-33 early in the second quarter, Toronto went on 14-2 run to lead by nine with 7:15 left in the half … The Raptors never trailed the rest of the way … Pascal Siakam made the game-winning free throw with 22.9 seconds left in the fourth and Caris LeVert missed a pull-up jumper in the final seconds.
KEY STAT
Toronto tied a season-low with just seven turnovers and committed none in the fourth quarter … The Raptors have now finished with a plus turnover differential in each of their last 14 games (Jan. 15 – Feb. 8) … Toronto has a +72-turnover differential during this stretch (185-to-257).
RAPTORS NOTES:
• With the win, Toronto improves to 39-14 this season and 20-7 at home … Since the start of the 201516 campaign, the Raptors have won 18-of-19 games vs. the Nets, including the first three meetings this season … Toronto’s next game is Monday night when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves.
• The Raptors won their franchise record 14th straight game tonight (Jan. 15 – Feb. 8) – the second longest win streak in the NBA this season.
• Toronto’s 39-14 record after 53 games is the best in franchise history.
• The Raptors outscored Brooklyn 52-42 in the paint and 25-8 on the fast-break.
• Terence Davis ll scored 20 points in 30 minutes in his second start of the season … Davis has now scored 10+ points in four straight games (Feb. 2-8), averaging 19.8 points during this stretch.
• Matt Thomas scored a career-high 15 points, including 11 in the second quarter, in 22 minutes.
• The Raptors had five players score double figures – Fred VanVleet (29), Pascal Siakam (20), Davis ll (20), Thomas (15) and Serge Ibaka (12).
NETS NOTES:
• With the loss, Brooklyn falls to 23-28 on the season and 8-16 on the road … The Nets have dropped three in a row (Jan. 26 – Feb. 7) on the road … Brooklyn’s next game is Monday night when they visit the Indiana Pacers.
• Caris LeVert scored a career-high 37 points (12-18 FG, 6-7 3PT, 7-7 FT) in 33 minutes … LeVert has scored 20+ points in three straight games (Feb. 3-8), averaging 29.7 during this span.
• Spencer Dinwiddie posted his sixth double-double of the season with 21 points and a game-high 11 assists in 36 minutes.
• DeAndre Jordan recorded his eighth double-double of the season, and sixth as a reserve, with 15 points and a game-high 14 rebounds in 29 minutes.
• The Nets had five players score in double digits – LeVert (37), Dinwiddie (21), Taurean Prince (17), Jordan (15) and Joe Harris (11).
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS (29-19-8 – 66 Points) vs.
MONTREAL CANADIENS (27-23-7 – 61 Points)
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2020
| 1 | 2 | 3 | OT | FINAL | |
| TORONTO | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| MONTREAL | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
GAME SUMMARY | EVENT SUMMARY | FACEOFF SUMMARY
ON THE SCORESHEET
SHOTS ON GOAL (5-on-5 in brackets)
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | OT | TOTAL | |
| TORONTO | 7 (7) | 14 (11) | 1 (1) | 1 (0) | 23 (19) |
| MONTREAL | 7 (7) | 4 (4) | 16 (15) | 3 (0) | 30 (26) |
SHOT ATTEMPTS (5-on-5 in brackets)
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | OT | TOTAL | |
| TORONTO | 19 (19) | 25 (18) | 7 (6) | 1 (0) | 52 (44) |
| MONTREAL | 13 (13) | 12 (11) | 29 (26) | 3 (0) | 57 (50) |
ON THE ROAD AGAIN
| Record on the Road | 15-12-1 (28 Games) |
| All-Time Record vs. Montreal | 300-342-88-17 (747 Games) |
| All-Time Record vs. Montreal on the Road | 110-214-43-7 (374 Games) |
| Record vs. Eastern Conference | 15-12-6 (33 Games) |
| Record vs. Atlantic Division | 8-7-2 (17 Games) |
MAPLE LEAFS LEADERS
| Shots | 4 (Muzzin, Spezza) |
| Shot Attempts | 8 (Matthews) |
| Faceoff Wins | 9 (Matthews) |
| Faceoff Win Percentage | 100% (Engvall – 1 won, 0 lost) |
| Hits | 3 (Hyman) |
| Blocked Shots | 3 (Muzzin) |
| Takeaways | 3 (Matthews) |
| TOI | 25:38 (Holl) |
| Power Play TOI | 3:53 (Matthews) |
| Shorthanded TOI | 3:16 (Holl) |
| Shifts | 27 (Barrie, Holl) |
| 5-on-5 Shot Attempt Percentage | 65.2% (Hyman – 15 for, 8 against) |
RECORD WHEN…
| Scoring first | 20-4-2 |
| Tied after 1 | 12-5-4 |
| Tied after 2 | 6-5-2 |
| Do not score on the power play | 11-11-4 |
| Do not allow a power play goal | 15-7-4 |
| Outshot by opponent | 13-11-4 |
| Overtime | 7-8 |
| Saturday | 10-3-4 |
OF NOTE…
UPCOMING GAMES:
Renowned Toronto Raptors health and performance guru Alex McKechnie mentioned something last week to Bill Manning that was music to the Toronto FC president’s ears. Read More
TFC prez: Pablo Piatti could ‘be a steal’ — Toronto Sun
Four days after news of a blockbuster trade that would bring Mookie Betts and David Price to Los Angeles, the deal is in limbo and indications are it might take some new blocks to complete it. As originally constituted, the Dodgers would send Kenta Maeda to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for pitching prospect Brusdar…
Dodgers trade for Mookie Betts, David Price reportedly in limbo — Press Telegram
–PHOTOS BY EDDIE MICHELS
Guerrero is working to improve his defence as a third baseman. In the top picture, he listens to infield coordinator Danny Solano.
GAME #53 – TORONTO RAPTORS (38-14) vs. BROOKLYN NETS (23-27) SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2020 – 7:30 P.M. (ET) – SCOTIABANK ARENA TV: TSN – RADIO: TSN 1050 TORONTO
INJURY REPORT AT 1:30 P.M. SATURDAY
BKN@TOR
Brooklyn Nets Durant, Kevin Out Injury/Illness – Right Achilles; Rehab
Irving, Kyrie Out Injury/Illness – Right Knee; Sprain
Martin, Jeremiah Out G League – Two-Way
Pinson, Theo Out G League – On Assignment
Temple, Garrett Available Injury/Illness – Left Over Eye; Stitches
Toronto Raptors Brissett, Oshae Out G League – Two-Way
Gasol, Marc Out Injury/Illness – Left Hamstring; Tightness
Hernandez, Dewan Out Injury/Illness – Right Ankle; Sprain
Lowry, Kyle Questionable Injury/Illness – Neck; Whiplash
Powell, Norman Out Injury/Illness – Left Finger; Fourth: fracture – metacarpal
RAPTORS NOTES
• The Toronto Raptors host the Brooklyn Nets at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday night. This is the third of four meetings between the two teams this season, with Toronto winning the first two games. The Raptors
have won 17 of the last 18 matchups against the Nets, including nine straight games at home. Kyle Lowry is averaging 21.5 points and 5.5 assists in two games vs. Brooklyn this season. The Raptors play at Brooklyn on Wednesday to wrap-up play before the NBA All-Star break.
• The Raptors won their franchise record 13th straight game (Jan. 15 – Feb. 7) Friday night at Indiana. Over the last 13 games, the Raptors are averaging 120.2 points and shooting .501 (576-1149) from the field,
including .399 (188-471) from three point range. Toronto also has a +70 (178-to-248) turnover differential during this stretch and leads the NBA in points per game off turnovers (23.7). The Raptors’ win streak is the longest in Toronto sports history (NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS and CFL).
• Rookie Terence Davis ll led the reserves in scoring for the third consecutive game (Feb. 2-7) with 17 points in 25 minutes Friday night against the Pacers. Davis has scored in double digits each of the last
three games, averaging 19.7 points (third on the team) during this span. He is the only Raptor to appear in every game this season and currently ranks second among all rookies with a .420 three-point percentage.
• Serge Ibaka led the Raptors with 22 points and 10 rebounds for his team-high 15th double-double of the season Friday night. Ibaka has scored in double figures in nine straight games (Jan. 22 – Feb. 7). He is averaging 20.1 points (second on the team) and shooting .605 (75-for-124) from the field during this
stretch. Ibaka is the first player in franchise history to make at least six shots from the field while making at least half of his field-goal attempts in nine consecutive contests.
• On Friday night, Kyle Lowry passed Vince Carter (9,420) for third on the Raptors’ all-time scoring list. DeMar DeRozan is the franchise’s all-time leader in points (13,296), followed by Chris Bosh (10,275).
• The Raptors have not lost games on consecutive days since Dec. 26–27, 2017 (at Dallas and Oklahoma City). Toronto has played 29 pairs of games on back-to-back days since then (not including the current
back-to-back set), sweeping both games 11 times and splitting 18 times.
• Nick Nurse and his staff will coach Team Giannis at the 2020 NBA All-Star Game in Chicago. Nurse will become just the third active head coach to coach in the All-Star Game in their first or second year as an NBA head coach, joining Steve Kerr (first year) and Mike Budenholzer (second year) – both in 2015.
• Kyle Lowry has been named a reserve for the 2020 NBA All-Star Game. Lowry will participate in his sixth All-Star Game (2015-20), the most in franchise history. He is the first player in NBA history to be selected to at least six All-Star teams after not being picked in any of his first eight seasons. Lowry will join forward Pascal Siakam in Chicago, who was voted a starter. Siakam’s selection extends a streak of six consecutive years that a Raptor has been voted into the starting five – Lowry (2015, 2016), DeMar DeRozan (2017,
2018) and Kawhi Leonard (2019). It also marks the fifth straight year (2016-20) two players will represent Toronto in the All-Star Game.
POSSIBLE STARTERS
G – OG ANUNOBY #3
MIN: 29.0 REB: 5.3 AST: 1.5 STL: 1.1 TO: 1.2 BLK: 0.7 PTS: 10.2
• Totaled 16 points, three rebounds and a career high-tying five steals in 28 minutes Feb. 7 at Indiana.
• Toronto is 20-4 this season when Anunoby scores 10 or more points.
• Averaging a career-high 10.2 points and shooting a career-best .492 from the field this season.
F – PASCAL SIAKAM #43
MIN: 34.9 REB: 7.6 AST: 3.4 STL: 1.0 TO: 2.5 BLK: 0.9 PTS: 23.5
• Finished with 15 points, four rebounds and one block in 35 minutes Feb. 7 at Indiana.
• Ranks 15th in the NBA in scoring (23.5) and 12th in +/- rating (+305).
• Has scored 30+ points 12 times; had five 30-point performances in 80 games played last season.
C – SERGE IBAKA #9
MIN: 26.9 REB: 8.0 AST: 1.4 STL: 0.6 TO: 2.0 BLK: 0.8 PTS: 16.0
• Recorded team highs of 22 points and 10 rebounds in 40 minutes Feb. 7 at Indiana.
• Averaging 19.1 points, 9.0 rebounds and 31.8 minutes in 19 games as a starter this season.
• Is the only player in NBA history with 500+ three-point field goals and 1,500+ blocks.
G – KYLE LOWRY #7
MIN: 36.4 REB: 4.6 AST: 7.4 STL: 1.2 TO: 2.8 BLK: 0.4 PTS: 19.6
• Posted his ninth double-double with 16 points and a game-high 11 assists in 28 minutes Feb. 7 at Indiana before leaving game late in third quarter with whip lash. Listed as questionable at 1:30 p.m. Saturday..
• Passed Vince Carter (9,420) for third on the franchise’s all-time scoring against the Pacers.
• Tied for eighth in the NBA in assists per game (7.4); has dished out 10+ assists nine times.
G – FRED VANVLEET #23
MIN: 36.0 REB: 3.9 AST: 7.0 STL: 2.0 TO: 2.2 BLK: 0.3 PTS: 17.7
• Totaled 20 points, seven assists, three rebounds and two steals in 41 minutes Feb. 7 at Indiana.
• Ranks fourth in the NBA in steals per game (1.95); has registered multiple steals in 21 games.
• Has totaled 43 assists, compared to 10 turnovers, over the last five games (Jan. 30 – Feb. 7).
INJURY REPORT
Marc Gasol (Left hamstring; tightness) – Out
Dewan Hernandez (Right ankle; sprain) – Out
Kyle Lowy (Neck: whiplash) – Questionable
Norman Powell (Left hand; fourth metacarpal – fracture) – Out
SERIES RECAP VS. BROOKLYN
OVERALL HOME ROAD
2019-20 2-0 1-0 1-0
ALL-TIME 55-40 32-15 23-25
STREAKS Won 5 Won 9 Won 2
LAST WIN: January 4, 2020 (121-102)
LAST HOME WIN: December 14, 2019 (110-102)
LARGEST MARGIN OF VICTORY: +37, November 2, 2007
LARGEST MARGIN OF DEFEAT: -25, January 15, 1996
LAST TIME VS. BROOKLYN
GAME 36 – JANUARY 4, 2020 TORONTO 121, BROOKLYN 102
BROOKLYN — Fred VanVleet had 29 points and 11 assists, Lowry scored 26 points and the Raptors beat the Nets 121-102 … Serge Ibaka finished with 21 points and 12 rebounds … Toronto started slow, but got back into it with a big finish to the first half before their guards — who both hit five three pointers — carried them in the second half for another win in what’s been a one-sided rivalry … Toronto made 13 three pointers and beat Brooklyn for the 17th time in 18 meetings … Spencer Dinwiddie scored 23 points for the Nets, who dropped their fifth straight … They had a 16-point lead in the second quarter, but gave almost all of it away by halftime … Caris LeVert returned after a 24-game absence following right thumb surgery and scored 13 points in 16 minutes off the bench … The Nets shot 61 per cent in the first quarter and were six of 10 from 3-point range to open a 33-24 lead … Toronto scored the final 12 points of the second to trim the Net’s lead to 52-48 … Brooklyn had 16 turnovers in the half, leading to 20 points … VanVleet then scored 14 in the third to keep Toronto ahead until it went into the fourth leading 83-80 … Lowry’s three pointer with 9:08 to play triggered a 15-5 spurt that turned a two-point lead into a 100-88 cushion midway through the period.
1 2 3 4 TOT
TORONTO 24 24 35 38 121
BROOKLYN 33 19 28 22 102
NEXT GAME DETAILS Opponent: Minnesota Timberwolves Date: Monday, February 10 Tip-Off: 7:30 p.m. (ET) Venue: Scotiabank Arena Television: Sportsnet Radio: TSN 1050 Toronto
SERIES RECAP VS. MINNESOTA
OVERALL HOME ROAD
2019-20 1-0 0-0 1-0
ALL-TIME 32-15 21-3 11-12
STREAKS Won 4 Won 15 Won 2
LAST WIN: January 18, 2020 (122-112)
LAST HOME WIN: October 24, 2018 (112-105)
LARGEST MARGIN OF VICTORY: +23, February 10, 2008
LARGEST MARGIN OF DEFEAT: -32, March 19, 2002
LAST TIME VS. MINNESOTA
GAME 42 – JANUARY 18, 2020 TORONTO 122, MINNESOTA 112
MINNEAPOLIS — Fred VanVleet led Toronto with 29 points as the Raptors beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 122-112 on Saturday night … Kyle Lowry added 28 points and seven assists while Norman Powell scored 20 points off the bench for the Raptors, who have won three straight games … Minnesota’s Andrew Wiggins recorded his first career triple-double … He had 18 points, a career-high 11 assists and 10 rebounds … Rookie Jarrett Culver had 26 points for the Timberwolves … VanVleet’s injury sidelined him for five games before Saturday … He was 11 of 16 from the field and 7 of 8 from 3-point range … VanVleet scored 10 points in the fourth quarter … Toronto took a five-point lead into the fourth quarter thanks in large part to Lowry’s efforts in the third … Lowry scored 17 points in the quarter to erase a four-point halftime deficit … The Raptors pushed the lead to as many as 22 in the fourth … Serge Ibaka and Powell each had six points off the bench during a 21-6 stretch to open the period … Minnesota got big first quarters from Wiggins and Culver … Wiggins had 11 points on 4-of-4 shooting and added five assists in the quarter … Culver led Minnesota with 14 points in the first, including 4 of 6 from deep.
1 2 3 4 TOT
TORONTO 32 26 31 33 122
MINNESOTA 39 23 22 28 112
FRIDAY’S GAME
GAME 52 – FEBRUARY 7, 2020 TORONTO 115, INDIANA 106
INDIANAPOLIS — Two days after rallying from a 19-point deficit to extend their franchise-record winning streak, the short-handed Raptors beat Indiana 115-106 for their 13th consecutive victory … Toronto has been winning without Marc Gasol and Norman Powell, two key players who are injured … Kyle Lowry missed the final 14 and a half minutes with a whiplash injury … The Raptors beat the Pacers for the second time in three days and head home with their 10th consecutive road victory … Serge Ibaka scored 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds … Fred VanVleet added 20 points and seven assists for Toronto, which hasn’t lost since Jan. 15 … Lowry finished with 16 points and 11 assists, his ninth double-double of the season … Domantas Sabonis finished with 19 points and 16 rebounds to lead the Pacers, and Victor Oladipo added 15 points and four assists in his first home start since returning from an injured right knee … Indiana has lost a season-high four in a row … Toronto had a 12-3 run in the third quarter which contributed to an 87-78 lead … When Lowry left with 2:42 to go in the third, the Pacers closed out the quarter with five straight points, cutting the deficit to four … The Pacers got as close as 101-99 with 6:47 left before Terence Davis scored seven points in a 12-4 spurt that gave Toronto a 113-103 lead with 1:48 to go.
1 2 3 4 TOT
TORONTO 36 28 23 28 115
INDIANA 31 32 20 23 106
INJURY REPORT AT 1:30 P.M. SATURDAY
07:30 (ET) BKN@TOR
Brooklyn Nets Durant, Kevin Out Injury/Illness – Right Achilles; Rehab
Irving, Kyrie Out Injury/Illness – Right Knee; Sprain
Martin, Jeremiah Out G League – Two-Way
Pinson, Theo Out G League – On Assignment
Temple, Garrett Available Injury/Illness – Left Over Eye; Stitches
Toronto Raptors Brissett, Oshae Out G League – Two-Way
Gasol, Marc Out Injury/Illness – Left Hamstring; Tightness
Hernandez, Dewan Out Injury/Illness – Right Ankle; Sprain
Lowry, Kyle Questionable Injury/Illness – Neck; Whiplash
Powell, Norman Out Injury/Illness – Left Finger; Fourth: fracture – metacarpal
The view from left field 