FINAL SCORE: CHARLOTTE HORNETS 99, TORONTO RAPTORS 96 DATE: FEBRUARY 28, 2020 ATTENDANCE: 19,800 (Sellout) FINAL SCORE RECORD HIGH POINTS HIGH REBOUNDS HIGH ASSISTS Charlotte 99 21-38 Graham / Rozier – 18 Biyombo – 11 Rozier / Co. Martin – 6 Toronto 96 42-17 Siakam – 24 Three Players – 9 Lowry – 6 KEY RUN Trailing 95-93 with 1:14 remaining, Charlotte ended the game on a 6-1 run … After the Hornets made three straight free throws, Norman Powell missed a three-pointer as time expired to tie the game. KEY STAT Charlotte held Toronto to .347 (33-for-95) shooting from the field, including .269 (14-for-52) in the first half …The Raptors are 5-7 this season when they shoot below 40 per cent from the floor. RAPTORS NOTES: • With the loss, Toronto falls to 42-17 this season and 23-9 at home … The Raptors have dropped two in a row (Jan. 25-28) for the first time since Dec. 23-25 … Toronto was 7-3 in the month of February … The Raptors begin a five-game (Mar. 1-9) west coast road trip Sunday at Denver. • Toronto’s starting lineup combined for 87 points. • The Raptors have now held their opponent below 100 points a league-high 18 times this season. • Toronto outscored the Hornets 29-17 on the fast-break … The Raptors have scored more fast-break points than their opponent in each of their last 13 games. • The Raptors committed a season-low five turnovers, compared to 18 for the Hornets. • Pascal Siakam recorded 24 points and nine rebounds in 39 minutes … Siakam has scored 20+ points in six of the last seven games (Feb. 8-28), averaging 24.9 points during this span. • Norman Powell returned to the starting lineup after missing the previous nine games (Feb. 2-25) with a fracture of the fourth metacarpal in his left hand … Powell scored 22 points in 37 minutes of action. • The Raptors had four players score double figures – Siakam (24), Powell (22), Kyle Lowry (21) and OG Anunoby (16) … Lowry scored 12 points in the fourth quarter. HORNETS NOTES: • With the win, Charlotte improves to 21-38 on the season and 11-21 on the road … The Hornets have won two in a row (Feb. 26-28) and five of their last seven (Feb. 10-28) … Charlotte returns home to begin a four-game homestand (Mar. 1-7) Sunday afternoon vs. Milwaukee. • The Hornets out rebounded Toronto 58-45. • Tonight marked Charlotte’s second road win of the season vs. a team currently with a winning record. • Charlotte led by as many as 17 points in the second quarter. • The Hornets had all five starters score in double digits – Terry Rozier (18), Devonte’ Graham (18), Miles Bridges (17), P.J. Washington Jr. (15) and Bismack Biyombo (13) … Charlotte’s starting lineup combined for 81 points. …Biyombo pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds for his eighth double-double of the season.
Charlotte Hornets Bacon, Dwayne Out G League – On Assignment Monk, Malik Out League Suspension Simmons, Kobi Out G League – Two-Way Spalding, Ray Out G League – Two-Way Toronto Raptors Gasol, Marc Out Injury/Illness – Left Hamstring; Tightness Ibaka, Serge Out Injury/Illness – Right Knee; Soreness McCaw, Patrick Available Injury/Illness – Illness; Flu-like symptoms Powell, Norman Probable Injury/Illness – Left Finger; Fourth; metacarpal – fracture VanVleet, Fred Out Injury/Illness – Left Shoulder; Pain Watson, Paul Available –
RAPTORS NOTES
• The Toronto Raptors conclude their four-game homestand (Feb. 21-28) Friday night when they host the Charlotte Hornets at Scotiabank Arena. Toronto has won seven of the last nine meetings against Charlotte, including both games this season. Serge Ibaka is averaging 23.0 points and 11.0 rebounds in two games vs. the Hornets this year. The Raptors begin a five-game west coast road trip (Mar. 1-9) Sunday at Denver.
• The Raptors lost for just the second time in their last 19 games Tuesday against Milwaukee. Over the last 19 contests, Toronto is averaging 118.5 points, while shooting .491 (827-1686) from the field, including .393 (281-715) from behind the arc. The Raptors have held opponents to 107.9 points per game and a .431 (715-1658) field goal percentage during this stretch.
• Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with 22 points Tuesday night vs. the Bucks. Siakam has now scored 20+ points in five of his last six games (Feb. 8-25). He is averaging 25.0 points and 6.8 rebounds, while shooting .524 (55-105) from the field, during this span.
• The Raptors lead the NBA in fast-break points per game (19.1). Toronto has outscored its opponent on the fast-break in each of the last 12 games (Jan. 28 – Feb. 25). The Raptors are a +165 (292-to-127) in fast-break scoring differential during this streak.
• Villanova retired the No. 1 jersey of six-time NBA All-Star and USA Basketball Olympic gold medalist Kyle Lowry on Wednesday night. Lowry played two seasons for current head coach Jay Wright (2004-06), helping the Wildcats make consecutive trips to the NCAA tournament.
• The Raptors held Milwaukee to .381 shooting from the field (32-for-84) Tuesday night. It was the 17th time Toronto has held its opponent below 40 per cent shooting from the floor this season. The Raptors currently ranks second in the NBA with a .426 opponent field goal percentage, behind only Milwaukee (.412).
• Terence Davis scored in double figures off the bench for the third straight game with 10 points in 17 minutes Tuesday against Milwaukee. He is averaging 12.3 points over the last three games. Davis has now logged 1,019 minutes this season and is just the fourth undrafted rookie to play at least 1,000 minutes in a season for Toronto; along with Jose Calderon (1,487 in 2005–06), Jorge Garbajosa (1,909 in 2006– 07) and Jamario Moon (2,166 in 2007–08).
• Toronto is 42-16 this season, matching the best record after 58 games in franchise history set last season. The Raptors have won at least 51 games each of the last four seasons after not reaching 50 wins in any of their first 20 seasons in the NBA.
• The Raptors currently lead the NBA in opponent three-point percentage (.335). Toronto’s opponent has now missed at least 20 three-point attempts in each of the last 27 games. It’s the longest streak in the NBA of an opponent missing 20 or more shots from behind the arc since the three-point era began in 1979–80.
• Pascal Siakam is averaging career highs of 23.7 points and 7.5 rebounds through 47 games this season. Only two players in Raptors history have finished a season averaging at least 23.0 points and 7.0 rebounds: Chris Bosh in 2009–10 (24.0, 10.8) and Kawhi Leonard in 2018–19 (26.6, 7.3). PROBABLE STARTERS
• Totaled 11 points, five rebounds and four assists in 30 minutes Feb. 25 vs. Milwaukee. • Toronto is 22-5 this season when Anunoby scores 10 or more points. • Averaging a career-high 10.2 points and shooting a career-best .499 from the field this season.
• Posted a team-high 22 points along with six rebounds and three assists Feb. 25 vs. Milwaukee. • Ranks 16th in the NBA in scoring (23.7); has scored 20 or more in five of the last six games (Feb. 8-25). • Has scored 30+ points 14 times; had five 30-point performances in 80 games played last season.
• Finished with five points and five rebounds in 29 minutes of action Feb. 25 vs. Milwaukee. • Averaging 18.3 points, 8.8 rebounds and 31.2 minutes in 24 games as a starter this season. • First player in NBA history with 500+ three-point field goals and 1,500+ blocks.
• Scored 10 points and led the team with six assists in 41 minutes Feb. 25 vs. Milwaukee. • Passed Morris Peterson (542) for second on the Raptors’ all-time games played list against the Bucks. • Ranks seventh in the NBA in assists per game (7.7); has dished out 10+ assists 13 times.
• Recorded 14 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal in 37 minutes Feb. 25 vs. Milwaukee. • Ranks fourth in the NBA in steals per game (1.90); has registered multiple steals in 24 games. • Leads the team in total three-point field goals made (131) and steals (91).
INJURY REPORT Marc Gasol (Left hamstring; tightness) – Out Dewan Hernandez (Right ankle; sprain) – Out Serge Ibaka (Right knee soreness) – Questionable Patrick McCaw (Flu-like symptoms) Probable Norman Powell (Left hand; fourth metacarpal – fracture) – Questionable
NEXT GAME DETAILSOpponent: Charlotte Hornets Date: Friday, February 28 Tip-Off: 7:30 p.m. (ET) Venue: Scotiabank Arena Television: Sportsnet One Radio: TSN 1050 Toronto
SERIES RECAP VS. CHARLOTTE
OVERALL HOME ROAD 2019-20 2-0 1-0 1-0 ALL-TIME
38-44 24-18 14-26 STREAKS Won 2 Won 1 Won 1
LAST WIN: January 8, 2020 (112-110 OT)
LAST HOME WIN: November 18, 2019 (132-96)
LARGEST MARGIN OF VICTORY: +36, November 18, 2019
LARGEST MARGIN OF DEFEAT: -36, November 20, 2000
LAST TIME VS. CHARLOTTE
GAME 38 – JANUARY 8, 2020 TORONTO 112, CHARLOTTE 110
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Serge Ibaka made two free throws with 5.1 seconds left in overtime and finished with 23 points and 11 rebounds as the banged-up Toronto Raptors escaped with a 112-110 overtime win over Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night… Terence Davis also had 23 points and 11 boards, OG Anunoby added 19 points and Kyle Lowry had 15 points and nine assists… Patrick McCaw added 13 points and 11 assists as the Raptors avoided taking losses on back-to-back nights for the first time since Dec. 26-27, 2017… Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 27 points, but his 3-pointer at the buzzer in overtime fell short… Miles Bridges added 26 points and nine rebounds for Charlotte, and P.J. Washington had 12 points and 12 rebounds… After leading by as many as 12 in the third quarter, the Raptors fell behind by 10 in the fourth quarter when Rozier hit a long 3 from the left wing with 5:25 remaining… The Raptors battled back to take the lead 100-99 with 17 seconds left when Lowry drove the lane and scored on a left-handed layup in traffic… On the Hornets’ ensuing inbounds pass, Ibaka was called for a foul away from the ball after grabbing Washington’s jersey… Rozier sank the automatic free throw to tie it, but Devonte Graham’s runner at the buzzer was short, sending the game into overtime… Davis, making his first NBA start, had two 3-pointers in overtime for the Raptors.
1 2 3 4 OT TOT
TORONTO 29 31 22 18 12 112
CHARLOTTE 31 24 26 19 10 110
NEXT GAME DETAILS Opponent: Denver Nuggets Date: Sunday, March 1 Tip-Off: 6 p.m. (ET) Venue: Pepsi Center Television: Sportsnet One Radio: Sportsnet 590 The FAN
SERIES RECAP VS. DENVER
OVERALL HOME ROAD 2018-19 0-2 0-1 0-1 ALL-TIME 18-28 11-12 7-16 STREAKS Lost 2 Lost 1 Lost 2
LAST WIN: March 27, 2018 (114-110)
LAST ROAD WIN: November 18, 2016 (113-111 OT)
LARGEST MARGIN OF VICTORY: +27, March 23, 2007
LARGEST MARGIN OF DEFEAT: -39, December 2, 2008 LAST TIME VS. DENVER
GAME 25 – DECEMBER 3, 2018 DENVER 106, TORONTO 103
TORONTO — Nikola Jokic got his second triple-double of the season to help the injury-riddled Denver Nuggets overcome another key absence … Jokic capped a big night with three free throws in the final seven seconds, Kyle Lowry missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer and the Nuggets survived the loss of leading scorer Gary Harris to beat the Toronto Raptors 106-103 … Jokic made it 104-103 with a free throw with 7.0 seconds left, then hit two more foul shots with 5.6 seconds remaining before Lowry bounced a 26footer off the rim … Jokic had 23 points, 15 assists and 11 rebounds, Jamal Murray scored 21 points, and Malik Beasley and Juan Hernangomez each scored 15 points for Denver … The Nuggets won their sixth straight and halted Toronto’s winning streak at eight … Kawhi Leonard scored 27 points, Serge Ibaka had 15 and Pascal Siakam 14 for the Raptors … Kyle Lowry had 11 assists … Harris scored three points in the opening quarter but did not play after the first because of a sore right hip … The Nuggets led 86-78 to begin the fourth, but Toronto tied it at 94 on Ibaka’s dunk at 4:41 … Jokic had seven assists in the first quarter.
1 2 3 4 TOT
DENVER 27 32 27 20 106
TORONTO 24 23 31 25 103
GAME 58 – FEBRUARY 25, 2020 MILWAUKEE 108 , TORONTO 97
TORONTO — Giannis Antetokounmpo had 19 points and 19 rebounds, Khris Middleton scored 22 points and the Bucks beat the Raptors 108-97 on Tuesday night in a matchup between the top teams in the Eastern Conference … Eric Bledsoe scored 17 points and Brook Lopez had 15 as the NBA-leading Bucks won their fourth straight and 18th of 20 … Milwaukee (50-8) was playing the second game of a back-to-back after winning in overtime at Washington Monday … Behind by 12 points late in the second quarter, the Bucks rallied to beat the Raptors in their first game in Toronto since losing Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals last May, completing a disappointing collapse after winning the first two games of that series at home … Antetokounmpo finished with eight assists, narrowly missing a triple-double … Pascal Siakam scored 22 points and Fred VanVleet had 14 as the defending NBA champion Raptors lost for the second time in 19 games … Toronto trailed 84-71 to begin the fourth, but Terence Davis scored five points as the Raptors closed the gap with a 7-0 spurt over the first 90 seconds of the final quarter … VanVleet’s four-point play with 2:23 left cut it to 101-94, and the Raptors forced a steal on Milwaukee’s next possession but VanVleet missed a 3 … Antetokounmpo hit a 3 at the other end, restoring the double-digit advantage.
1 2 3 4 TOT
MILWAUKEE 25 25 34 24 108
TORONTO 27 25 19 26 97
GAME 57 – FEBRUARY 23, 2020 TORONTO 127 , INDIANA 81
TORONTO — Kyle Lowry had 16 points and 11 assists as the Toronto Raptors beat the Indiana Pacers 127-81 in Toronto’s most lopsided victory in franchise history … Lowry stretched his career-best streak of consecutive double-doubles to six games in the Raptors’ ninth straight victory at Scotiabank Arena … It was also the Raptors’ 17th win in their last 18 outings … Pascal Siakam added 21 points while Serge Ibaka chipped in with 15 points and 15 rebounds … Matt Thomas finished with 17 points, Terence Davis had 13, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson added 12, and Chris Boucher hauled down 11 rebounds to go with nine points for Toronto … Domantas Sabonis and Aaron Holiday had 14 points apiece to top the Pacers, who were missing Victor Oladipo … The Raptors held the Pacers to four baskets on 17.4 per cent shooting in the first quarter … By the time Fred VanVleet launched a running three-pointer with four seconds left in the first half, the Raptors were up by 31 points … The Pacers’ 32 points at halftime were a season-low for a half by an opponent … Toronto took an 85-55 lead into the fourth, and when Hollis-Jefferson connected on a bucket with 8:19 to play, the Raptors were up by 40 … Back-to-back three -pointers by Thomas put the Raptors up by 46 points with 2:17 to play … Toronto shot 51.1 per cent on the night, while holding Indiana to 32.6 per cent and 24.2 per cent from three-point range.
1 2 3 4 TOT
INDIANA 12 20 23 26 81
TORONTO 34 29 22 42 127
CHARLOTTE HORNETS (20-38 vs. TORONTO RAPTORS (42-16) GAME #59 – ROAD GAME #32 February 28, 2020 – 7:30 p.m. (ET) Scotiabank Arena – Toronto, ON TV: Fox Sports Southeast: WFNZ – 102.5 FM / 610 AM
Record Overall Home Road Overtime Overall
20-38 9-18 11-20 1-1
Eastern 14-22 8-11 6-11 1-0
Western 6-16 1-7 5-9 0-1
PROBABLE STARTERS 2019-20 STATS BUZZWORTHY
0 MILES BRIDGES F • 6-6 • 225 • Michigan State PPG • 13.2 RPG • 5.5 APG • 1.7 • Drafted 12th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft • Scored a career-high 31 points along with a career-high 13 rebounds at WAS on 11/22 • Has scored 20-or-more points in six games since January 1, 2020
25 PJ WASHINGTON F • 6-7 • 236 • Kentucky PPG • 11.8 RPG • 5.4 APG • 2.1 • Scored a franchise-record 27 points in his NBA debut on 10/23 • Made an NBA-record seven threes in his first career game • Drafted 12th overall in the 2019 NBA draft
40 CODY ZELLER C • 6-11 • 240 • Indiana PPG • 11.1 RPG • 7.1 APG • 1.5 • Averaging a career-high 11.1 points and a careerhigh 7.1 rebounds per game • Recorded a double-double in each of his first four appearances this season – the first Charlotte player to do so since Okafor (05-06)
4 DEVONTE’ GRAHAM G • 6-1 • 195 • Kansas PPG • 17.6 RPG • 3.5 APG • 7.6 • Recorded a career-high 40 points at BKN on 12/11 • Averaging a career-high 7.6 assists per game, tied for 7th among all players in the NBA this season.
3 TERRY ROZIER G • 6-1 • 195 • Louisville PPG • 17.5 RPG • 4.5 APG • 4.1 • Acquired by the Hornets on July 6, 2019 • Spent first four seasons with the Boston Celtics • Averaging career highs in points, assists, steals, threes per game.
Charlotte vs. Toronto – Connections Hornets F/C Cody Zeller and Raptors F OG Anunoby both played college basketball at Indiana…Hornets C Bismack Biyombo played in Toronto in the 2015-16 season…Hornets C Willy Hernangomez and C Marc Gasol are teammates on the Spanish National Team, most recently competing together in the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
STARS ON THE RISE – PLAYER DEVELOPMENT On Friday, Feb. 14 Miles Bridges, Devonte’ Graham and PJ Washington represented Team USA in the 2020 NBA Rising Stars game, with Miles Bridges earning game MVP honors (20 points, five rebounds, five assists). The game is made up of the best first-and-second-year players as part of the 2020 NBA All-Star weekend. Charlotte and Memphis are the only two teams to have three players in the contest. This is the first time in franchise history the Hornets have had three players selected to the event.
HIVE HUSTLE – COMPETE AT A HIGH LEVEL Cody Martin and Devonte’ Graham have each drawn 12 charges this season, tied for tenth-most in the league this season. The Hornets are one of just two teams in the NBA to have two players rank in the top-ten of charges drawn (Washington: Wagner, Beal).
BACKCOURT BUZZING – ESTABLISH AN IDENTITY In Charlotte’s home win against the Knicks (2/26), Terry Rozier scored a game-high 26 points and Devonte’ Graham added 21 points, the eighth game this season both guards have scored 20+ in the same game. In the Hornets’ 2/8 loss to Dallas, Devonte’ Graham and Terry Rozier each made 3 threes, the 17th time this season both guards have made 3+ threes in the same game. In the Hornets’ 1/13 loss to the Blazers, the Hornets starting backcourt (Devonte’ Graham and Terry Rozier) combined for 52 points, the ninth time this season that the backcourt duo has combined for 50-ormore points. Graham (192) and Rozier (148) are one of five pairs of teammates in the NBA to each have 140+ made threes (Lillard/McCollum – POR, Harden/McLemore – HOU, Walker/Tatum – BOS, Mitchell/Bogdanovic – UTA).
CLUTCH IN CLUTCH TIME – COMPETE AT A HIGH LEVEL The Hornets have a 15-13 record in clutch time this season, tied for 11th most clutch wins in the league. Charlotte has an offensive rating of 120.1 (ranking third), a defensive rating of 105.4 (ranking 13th) and a net rating of 14.6 (ranking seventh) in clutch time. The Hornets are shooting 49.2% from the field in clutch time, ranking second in the league and shooting a league-leading 44.9% from three in clutch time. Charlotte averages 1.6 assists in the clutch, fifth most in the NBA and has an assist ratio of 14.7, good for fourth in the NBA.
LONG DISTANCE BUZZ – ESTABLISH AN IDENTITY In Charlotte’s win over New York (2/26), the Hornets made 10 threes collectively. This is the 42nd game this season that the Hornets have made 10+ threes in a game, the fifth most such games in a season in franchise history. The 2018-19 Hornets hold the franchise record with 60 games.
SHARING IS CARING – ESTABLISH AN IDENTITY Through 58 games the Hornets are averaging 305.4 passes per game, good for sixth most in the NBA this season. 63.7% of all Hornets baskets have been assisted thus far this season, fourth in the league. In Charlotte’s loss to San Antonio (2/1) the Hornets recorded 29 assists on 35 field goals, good for an assist-percentage of 82.8. In the Hornets loss to Denver (1/15) Charlotte made 33 field goals with 28 assists. The mark of 84.8% of field goals assisted is the team’s highest since 2/11/14 and is the fifth-highest assist percentage in a game this season.
WALK THE LINE – BUILDING WINNING HABITS Through 58 games the Hornets’ opponents are allowing just 21.6 free throws, the seventh-lowest free throw attempts in the NBA to this point. Charlotte’s opponents average 18.2 free-throw attempts per game, the fewest in the league this season.
CLOSING OUT CLOSE GAMES – BUILDING WINNING HABITS The Hornets are tied for the league lead with eight wins in one-possession games this season. Charlotte also has 10 come-from-behind wins this season after trailing by double-digits, tied for the seventh most in the league this season per Elias.
GOOD SHOT SELECTION – ESTABLISH AN IDENTITY The Hornets are striving for a style of play built around taking shots at the rim and knocking down three-point field goals. Charlotte ranks 5th in the NBA in percentage of shots taken at the rim (38.3%) and 9th in the NBA in percentage of shots taken from the three-point line (37.2%), meaning the team is taking the fifth-fewest mid-range shots in the NBA (24.5%).
I’m not sure we learned a ton about the Raptors from Tuesday’s 108-97 loss to Milwaukee. We’re just not going to see so many key players so off at the same time again, judging by how infrequently it has happened this year. Serge Ibaka had his worst game as a Raptor. Kyle Lowry had his […]
(50-8) MILWAUKEE BUCKS, 108 VS. (42-16) TORONTO RAPTORS, 97 SCOTIABANK ARENA TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020
TORONTO RAPTORS QUOTES
NICK NURSE (HEAD COACH)
On a very good defensive team getting you out of sync … Yeah, a little bit, I think. Look at the shooting percentages it wasn’t too good either way. Pretty good defensive game both ways, I was pretty happy. I thought we were amazing for about 22 minutes and then we had the ball and had a little weird turnover in transition there to start their run and end the second quarter. I don’t know, we just didn’t for some reason make enough of those shots. I think we had some pretty god ones there. You probably can’t have Serge (Ibaka) go one-for-10, Kyle (Lowry) go one-for-seven and Fred (VanVleet) go three-for-nine, but in saying that Serge had like 21 straight great games. You are going to have that one once in a while and tonight wasn’t his night, but that’s all right, he has been amazing this year, Kyle has, Fred has, and tonight it just didn’t go in.
On taking a franchise record 52 three point attempts tonight … There was 52 of them and let’s say 40 of them were probably decent, if I had to pick something without watching it. We had a couple shot-clockers that were bombs, you know the shot clock was running down. There was one that got blocked, so you would probably like to have that one back. There were a couple others, but I thought again, for the most part they weren’t that bad.
On touching the paint enough on your drives … Probably not, I don’t know what the numbers say, but probably not. I would have liked to hit them multiple times in a possession. I think I can remember Pascal (Siakam) hitting a corner three right in front of our bench and it was a really good possession where we drove it, kicked it, swung it, drove it, kicked it, then it was Pascal standing all alone in the corner. I thought we needed a few more of those types of multiple paint touch possessions.
On using any defensive tricks that might be useful in future matchups … Well, I didn’t get to too many of them. I only got a few possessions of zone and a few possessions of press. I think the press looked like it would have been okay. They were tightrope-ing it down the sidelines and bobbling it around and we couldn’t quite come up with them. Next game I will probably do a few more things. I didn’t get the (Bucks) lineup I thought I was going to get to do some of the stuff. Maybe next game.
PASCAL SIAKAM (22 points, six rebounds, three assists)
How tough was it to get the momentum back coming out of halftime? We were trying to come out aggressively in the second half, but they also came out being aggressive and they made some good plays out there. They chipped back into the game, like with free throws and little things like that, and they got comfortable. But I still think we did a pretty decent job.
Did it feel different than a normal game? It was a good game. A lot of energy out there. They played hard. We played hard. It’s always a good matchup against teams like that … Kudos to them. They played a good game.
Are games like this useful for evaluating things? I think every game of the season we have to use to our advantage. Obviously understanding what it’s like in the playoffs and taking these games as a learning experience win or lose. We have to keep being ourselves and learning from it. If we have to do things differently, do them differently, and if we don’t, then continue to play our game. We all know what it takes in the playoffs and you have to do a better job if you want to take that next step.
KYLE LOWRY (10 points, six assists, four rebounds)
Against a team like that, how tough is it to get the momentum back? It wasn’t tough to get it back. We just started the third off slow and didn’t make shots and we missed a lot of open shots tonight. They made some shots and they were aggressive, (and) got to the free throw line more than we did. It’s one game. They played well – well, neither one played well – but they got the win, so they played better than us tonight.
Is there anything you guys can do differently to get in the paint more? Screen a little more, maybe screen a little harder, play a little faster, up tempo. But we made some shots. I hit a couple threes, Serge (Ibaka) hit a couple threes, (Pascal Siakam) hit a couple. We make more threes and space it out a little bit more, the game changes a lot.
(50-8) MILWAUKEE BUCKS, 108 VS. (42-16) TORONTO RAPTORS, 97 SCOTIABANK ARENA TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020
MILWAUKEE BUCKS QUOTES
MIKE BUDENHOLZER (HEAD COACH)
On tonight’s game… Just a good effort by our group. Obviously the end of the second quarter was really big for us; we were not having a very good half. They were great. But somehow we found a three or four-minute stretch to close the gap and then the third quarter, on both ends of the court, lot of things where we want them to be and able to close it out. So it’s a good win for us on the road tonight.
What was the difference for you offensively in the third quarter? I think you get a little bit of rhythm of the aggressiveness that they were playing with, to the ball. Especially Giannis (Antetokounmpo), I thought his composure and kind of just seeing the court, reading the court. Then you got to make some shots. Different guys stepped up and made shots. We got to play in transition, I think it was a 19 point defensive quarter, so you’re getting a lot of stops; you get out to run, hopefully play against a defence that’s not set.
On how you made the Raptors work on offence tonight… We try and make everybody work, so tonight you got your hands full. They have a lot of great players and they make things really hard on you. But I think, overall, some real positives to take from tonight from our defence.
KHRIS MIDDLETON (22 points, eight rebounds, three assists)
Was this the type of game you expected tonight? I guess you could say that. They play hard every night just like us. The question of, “is that what we expected?” I guess so, for them to come out like they did with their crowd behind them.
What did the team feel it had to improve on in the second half to make a push? Just settle down. I think we played into their hands in the first quarter. I think we could have used the back-to-back as an excuse if we let it keep happening for the whole game. Eventually we settled down and took advantage of their schemes somewhat. I think we played a much more controlled gamed after that.
Do you get any extra satisfaction getting the win tonight after last year’s playoffs? Not really. We won it last year during the regular season. It doesn’t guarantee a win in the playoffs. It’s a great win against a great team that we can see down the road in the future.
What changed in the second half? We came out in the second quarter and started knocking down shots. They were physical defensively and we weren’t playing great basketball. We were able to close it out in the second quarter hard. We came out of the half playing better, moving the ball better, we were knocking down shots and defending better. It’s good.
On tonight’s game… This is the second time we’ve played Toronto. We got the first one at home. We knew they were going to come out and set the tone and play good. They are a very good team that doesn’t stop playing hard. That’s why they win so many games and that’s why they’re so good. We expect that. We knew that we had to come out and get a win.
Was game six on your mind at all? Of course. You always remember the last time you played here, the feelings you had. It was definitely on my mind.
FINAL SCORE: MILWAUKEE BUCKS 108, TORONTO RAPTORS 97 DATE: FEBRUARY 25, 2020 ATTENDANCE: 19,993 (Sellout) FINAL SCORE RECORD HIGH POINTS HIGH REBOUNDS HIGH ASSISTS Milwaukee 108 50-8 Middleton – 22 Antetokounmpo – 19 Antetokounmpo – 8 Toronto 97 42-16 Siakam – 22 Hollis-Jefferson – 8 Lowry – 6 KEY RUN Trailing 60-57 early in the third, Milwaukee went on an 18-4 run to lead by 11 points with 3:09 remaining in the quarter … The Bucks outscored Toronto 34-19 in the third quarter and led 84-71 entering the fourth. KEY STAT Milwaukee held Toronto to .352 (31-for-91) shooting from the field, including .326 (14-for-43) in the second half … The Raptors are 5-6 this season when they shoot below 40 per cent from the floor. RAPTORS NOTES: • With the loss, Toronto falls to 42-16 this season and 23-8 at home … Tonight’s defeat ends the Raptors’ nine game home winning streak … Toronto is now 7-2 in the month of February … The Raptors finish a four-game homestand (Feb. 21-28) Friday night vs. the Charlotte Hornets. • Toronto outscored the Bucks 15-10 on the fast-break … The Raptors have scored more fast-break points than their opponent in each of their last 12 games. • The Raptors shot .346 (18-for-52) from 3-point range … Toronto’s 52 3-point attempts were a single game franchise record. • Pascal Siakam finished with 22 points and six rebounds in 38 minutes … Siakam has scored 20+points in five of the last six games, averaging 25.0 points during this span. • Terence Davis scored in double figures for the third straight game with 10 points off the bench. • The Raptors had six players score double figures – Siakam (22), Fred VanVleet (14), OG Anunoby (11), Kyle Lowry (10), Davis (10) and Chris Boucher (10). BUCKS NOTES: • With the win, Milwaukee improves to 50-8 on the season and 23-5 on the road … The Bucks have won four in a row and nine of their last 10 games … Milwaukee’s next game is Friday night at home when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder. • The Bucks are a perfect 8-0 this season in the second game of a back-to-back set.
• Milwaukee has scored 100+ points in 82 straight games – now the third longest streak in NBA history. • Khris Middleton scored 17 of his 22 points in the second half … Middleton has scored 20 or more in 11 of the last 12 games, averaging 26.8 points during this stretch. • Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded his 47th double-double of the season with 19 points and 19 rebounds – one shy of his season high – in 38 minutes. • The Bucks had four players score in double digits – Middleton (22), Antetokounmpo (19), Eric Bledsoe (17) and Brook Lopez (15).
Milwaukee Bucks Korver, Kyle Out Injury/Illness – Back; Soreness Lopez, Brook Probable Injury/Illness – Back; Soreness Mason, Frank Out G League – Two-Way Reynolds, Cameron Out G League – Two-Way Wilson, D.J. Out G League – On Assignment Toronto Raptors Gasol, Marc Out Injury/Illness – Left Hamstring; Tightness Hernandez, Dewan Out Injury/Illness – Right Ankle; Sprain McCaw, Patrick Questionable Injury/Illness – Illness; Flu-like symptoms Powell, Norman Out Injury/Illness – Left Finger; Fourth – metacarpal; fracture Watson, Paul Out G League – Two-Way
RAPTORS NOTES • The Toronto Raptors continue a four-game homestand (Feb. 21-28) Tuesday night when they host the Milwaukee Bucks at Scotiabank Arena. In the 2019 postseason, Toronto defeated Milwaukee in the Eastern Conference Finals (4-2) en route to their first NBA Championship. Tuesday night marks the second of four meetings between the two teams this season. The Bucks won the first matchup, 115-105, in early November. Kyle Lowry led the Raptors with a season-high 36 points in the loss.
• Toronto has won 17 of its last 18 games, including nine in a row at Scotiabank Arena, which ties the team’s longest home winning streak of the season. The Raptors opened the 2019-20 season with nine straight victories at home. Over the past nine home games, Toronto is averaging 125.1 points and shooting .519 (415-800) from the field, including .413 (138-334) from three-point distance.
• The Raptors defeated the Pacers 127-81 on Sunday night. The 46-point margin of victory was the largest in franchise history, eclipsing a 44-point win over Atlanta on Dec. 3, 2016. Indiana set opponent season lows for both points in a game and points in a half with just 32 at halftime.
• Kyle Lowry recorded his career-high sixth straight double-double (Feb. 5-23) with 16 points and 11 assists Sunday against the Pacers. Over his last six games, Lowry is averaging 19.3 points and 10.8 assists. Lowry now has 13 double-doubles this season – second most on the team behind Serge Ibaka (16).
• The Raptors lead the NBA in fast-break points per game (19.2). Toronto has outscored its opponent on the fast-break in each of the last 11 games (Jan. 28 – Feb. 23). The Raptors are a +160 (277-to-117) in fastbreak scoring differential during this stretch.
• Terence Davis scored in double figures for the second straight game off the bench with 13 points in 24 minutes Sunday vs. Indiana. Davis has now logged 1,003 minutes this season and becomes just the fourth undrafted rookie to play at least 1,000 minutes in a season for Toronto; along with Jose Calderon (1,487 in 2005–06), Jorge Garbajosa (1,909 in 2006–07) and Jamario Moon (2,166 in 2007–08).
• Toronto’s 42-15 record after 57 games is the best in franchise history. The Raptors have won at least 51 games each of the last four seasons after not reaching 50 wins in any of their first 20 seasons in the NBA.
• Pascal Siakam is averaging career highs of 23.7 points and 7.5 rebounds through 46 games this season. Only two players in Raptors history have finished a season averaging at least 23.0 points and 7.0 rebounds: Chris Bosh in 2009–10 (24.0, 10.8) and Kawhi Leonard in 2018–19 (26.6, 7.3).
• Nick Nurse earned his 100th win as a head coach in the NBA on Sunday. Nurse is now 100-39 as a head coach. The only active head coach to record his 100th win in fewer than 140 games is Steve Kerr, who set an NBA record by earning 100 wins in only 117 games as head coach with the Golden State Warriors.
• Toronto held the Pacers to .326 (31-95) shooting on Sunday, including .242 (8-33) from three-point range. The Raptors currently lead the NBA in opponent three-point percentage (.335). Toronto’s opponent has now missed at least 20 three-point attempts in each of the last 26 games. It’s the longest streak in the NBA of an opponent missing 20 or more shots from behind the arc since the three-point era began in 1979–80. PROBABLE STARTERS
• Totaled seven points, four rebounds and two assists in 28 minutes Feb. 23 vs. Indiana. • Toronto is 22-4 this season when Anunoby scores 10 or more points. • Averaging a career-high 10.2 points and shooting a career-best .499 from the field this season.
• Posted a game-high 21 points, two rebounds and three assists in 30 minutes of action Feb. 23 vs. Indiana • Ranks 15th in the NBA in scoring (23.7); averaging 24.0 points over the last seven games (Feb. 5-23). • Has scored 30+ points 14 times; had five 30-point performances in 80 games played last season.
• Recorded his 16th double-double with 15 points and a season-high 15 rebounds Feb. 23 vs. Indiana. • Averaging 18.8 points, 9.0 rebounds and 31.3 minutes in 23 games as a starter this season. • First player in NBA history with 500+ three-point field goals and 1,500+ blocks.
• Posted his sixth straight double-double with 16 points and a game-high 11 assists Feb. 23 vs. Indiana. • Tied Morris Peterson (542) for second on the Raptors’ all-time games played list against the Pacers. • Tied for seventh in the NBA in assists per game (7.7); has dished out 10+ assists 13 times.
• Totaled eight points, three assists, three rebounds and two steals in 26 minutes Feb. 23 vs. Indiana. • Ranks fourth in the NBA in steals per game (1.91); has registered multiple steals in 24 games. • Has more assists than turnovers in all but two games – leads the team with a 2.95 assists to turnover ratio.
INJURY REPORT Marc Gasol (Left hamstring; tightness) – Out Dewan Hernandez (Right ankle; sprain) – Out Patrick McCaw (Flu-like symptoms) – Questionable Norman Powell (Left hand; fourth metacarpal – fracture) – Out
TONIGHT’S GAME DETAILS Opponent: Milwaukee Bucks Date: Tuesday, February 25 Tip-Off: 7:30 p.m. (ET) Venue: Scotiabank Arena Television: TSN / TNT Radio: Sportsnet 590 The FAN
SERIES RECAP VS. MILWAUKEE
OVERALL HOME ROAD
2019-20
0-1 0-0 0-1
ALL-TIME
38-52 20-25 18-27
STREAKS Lost 2 Lost 3 Lost 1
LAST WIN: January 5, 2019 (123-116)
LAST HOME WIN: January 5, 2018 (129-110)
LARGEST MARGIN OF VICTORY: +42, November 21, 2014
LARGEST MARGIN OF DEFEAT: -27, November 6, 2007
LAST TIME VS. MILWAUKEE
GAME 6 – NOVEMBER 2, 2019 MILWAUKEE 115, TORONTO 105
MILWAUKEE — Giannis Antetokounmpo had 36 points, 15 rebounds, eight assists and four blocks to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 115-105 victory over the Raptors … Eric Bledsoe added 14 points and five assists, and Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez each had 11 points for the Bucks … Kyle Lowry scored a season-high 36 points on 11-of-18 shooting, including 5 of 9 from 3-point range … Pascal Siakam added 16 for Toronto, which had won four of its first five this season … Marc Gasol grabbed 12 rebounds and had 10 points … The Raptors, who had trailed by as much as 26 points, pulled within four three times in the fourth quarter, the last on a 3-pointer from Fred VanVleet that made it 107-103 with 2:24 to play … However, George Hill pushed the lead to six with two free throws, Antetokounmpo tacked on two more baskets and Bledsoe added one for the final margin … Lowry’s 17 points and 12 from Siakam pulled Toronto to 95 -90 heading into the fourth quarter … The Bucks led 36-17 at the end of the first quarter and 66-50 at the half behind 17 points from Antetokounmpo … The Raptors shot just 13 of 41 from the floor in the opening half.
1 2 3 4 TOT
TORONTO 17 33 40 15 105
MILWAUKEE 36 30 29 20 115
NEXT GAME DETAILS Opponent: Charlotte Hornets Date: Friday, February 28 Tip-Off: 7:30 p.m. (ET) Venue: Scotiabank Arena Television: Sportsnet One Radio: TSN 1050 Toronto
SERIES RECAP VS. CHARLOTTE
OVERALL HOME ROAD
2019-20 2-0 1-0 1-0
ALL-TIME 38-44 24-18 14-26
STREAKS Won 2 Won 1 Won 1
LAST WIN: January 8, 2020 (112-110 OT)
LAST HOME WIN: November 18, 2019 (132-96)
LARGEST MARGIN OF VICTORY: +36, November 18, 2019
LARGEST MARGIN OF DEFEAT: -36, November 20, 2000
LAST TIME VS. CHARLOTTE
GAME 38 – JANUARY 8, 2020 TORONTO 112, CHARLOTTE 110
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Serge Ibaka made two free throws with 5.1 seconds left in overtime and finished with 23 points and 11 rebounds as the banged-up Toronto Raptors escaped with a 112-110 overtime win over Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night… Terence Davis also had 23 points and 11 boards, OG Anunoby added 19 points and Kyle Lowry had 15 points and nine assists… Patrick McCaw added 13 points and 11 assists as the Raptors avoided taking losses on back-to-back nights for the first time since Dec. 26-27, 2017… Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 27 points, but his 3-pointer at the buzzer in overtime fell short… Miles Bridges added 26 points and nine rebounds for Charlotte, and P.J. Washington had 12 points and 12 rebounds… After leading by as many as 12 in the third quarter, the Raptors fell behind by 10 in the fourth quarter when Rozier hit a long 3 from the left wing with 5:25 remaining… The Raptors battled back to take the lead 100-99 with 17 seconds left when Lowry drove the lane and scored on a left-handed layup in traffic… On the Hornets’ ensuing inbounds pass, Ibaka was called for a foul away from the ball after grabbing Washington’s jersey… Rozier sank the automatic free throw to tie it, but Devonte Graham’s runner at the buzzer was short, sending the game into overtime… Davis, making his first NBA start, had two 3-pointers in overtime for the Raptors.
1 2 3 4 OT TOT
TORONTO 29 31 22 18 12 112
CHARLOTTE 31 24 26 19 10 110
GAME 57 – FEBRUARY 23, 2020 TORONTO 127 , INDIANA 81
TORONTO — Kyle Lowry had 16 points and 11 assists as the Toronto Raptors beat the Indiana Pacers 127-81 in Toronto’s most lopsided victory in franchise history … Lowry stretched his career-best streak of consecutive double-doubles to six games in the Raptors’ ninth straight victory at Scotiabank Arena … It was also the Raptors’ 17 win in their last 18 outings … Pascal Siakam added 21 points while Serge Ibaka chipped in with 15 points and 15 rebounds … Matt Thomas finished with 17 points, Terence Davis had 13, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson added 12, and Chris Boucher hauled down 11 rebounds to go with nine points for Toronto … Domantas Sabonis and Aaron Holiday had 14 points apiece to top the Pacers, who were missing Victor Oladipo … The Raptors held the Pacers to four baskets on 17.4 per cent shooting in the first quarter … By the time Fred VanVleet launched a running three-pointer with four seconds left in the first half, the Raptors were up by 31 points … The Pacers’ 32 points at halftime were a season-low for a half by an opponent … Toronto took an 85-55 lead into the fourth, and when Hollis-Jefferson connected on a bucket with 8:19 to play, the Raptors were up by 40 … Back-to-back three -pointers by Thomas put the Raptors up by 46 points with 2:17 to play … Toronto shot 51.1 per cent on the night, while holding Indiana to 32.6 per cent and 24.2 per cent from three-point range.
1 2 3 4 TOT
INDIANA 12 20 23 26 81
TORONTO 34 29 22 42 127 GAME 56 – FEBRUARY 21, 2020 TORONTO 118 , PHOENIX 101
TORONTO — Pascal Siakam had 37 points and 12 rebounds and Toronto beat Phoenix 118-101 on Friday night, its fifth straight victory over the Suns … Serge Ibaka scored 16 points, Fred VanVleet and Terence Davis each had 14, Kyle Lowry had 13 points and 10 assists and OG Anunoby added 12 points for the defending NBA champion Raptors … Siakam connected on 12 of 19 attempts, going 5 of 9 from 3-point range … He scored 17 points in the first quarter as Toronto built a big first-half lead and didn’t let it go … Siakam’s five 3-pointers were just one fewer than the six the Suns managed on 34 attempts … Phoenix shot 17.6% from long range, its lowest mark of the season … No Suns player made more than one shot from distance … Booker scored 21 points and DeAndre Ayton had 17 points and 10 rebounds for Phoenix … The Suns lost for the seventh time in nine games and dropped their fifth straight on the road … Phoenix trailed 93-78 through three quarters, but the Suns cut the gap to six points, 96-90 on a basket by Ayton with 8:08 left to play … Rondae HollisJefferson made a pair from the line, and VanVleet and Siakam both scored to put the Raptors up 102-90 with 6:58 remaining … Booker missed a 3 with 4:45 left that would have made it a four-point game … Anunoby scored on a dunk and, after another missed 3 by the Suns, Ibaka banked home a 3-pointer to restore Toronto’s 12-point cushion.
1 2 3 4 TOT
PHOENIX 23 20 35 23 101
TORONTO 31 36 26 25 118
BUCKS PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP WITH 2019-20 STATS 22 F – Khris Middleton 6-7 225 Texas A&M/USA 8th season G GS PPG RPG APG MPG FG% 3FG% FT% 50 47 21.1 6.2 4.2 29.9 .509 .437 .909 34 F – Giannis Antetokounmpo 6-11 240 Filathlitikos/Greece 7th season G GS PPG RPG APG MPG FG% 3FG% FT% 51 51 29.9 13.6 5.8 30.7 .554 .311 .617 11 C – Brook Lopez 7-0 282 Stanford/USA 12th season G GS PPG RPG APG MPG FG% 3FG% FT% 54 53 10.7 4.5 1.7 26.7 .428 .294 .835 9 G – Wesley Matthews 6-4 221 Marquette/USA 11th season G GS PPG RPG APG MPG FG% 3FG% FT% 54 54 7.5 2.4 1.5 24.6 .409 .378 .750 6 G – Eric Bledsoe 6-1 214 Kentucky/USA 10th season G GS PPG RPG APG MPG FG% 3FG% FT% 49 49 15.8 4.8 5.5 27.2 .485 .354 .829 Head Coach: Mike Budenholzer – 2nd season with Milwaukee (109-30); 7th season overall (322-227)
BUCK SHOTS
• In just their second overtime game of the season, the Bucks improved to 49-8 with a 137-134 win over the Wizards on Monday. Milwaukee, which has now won 17 of its last 19 games, is one of only seven teams in NBA history to win 49 of its first 57 games.
• The Bucks are finishing their eighth of 11 back-to-backs of the season tonight (second roadroad back-to-back). Milwaukee, which has road back-to-backs in each of the next three weeks, is a perfect 7-0 in the second game of a back-to-back so far this season.
• By scoring 137 points on Monday, the Bucks extended their regular-season streak of scoring 100 points to 81 games, and their streak of scoring 110 points to 18 games Their 81-game streak of scoring 100 points is now tied for the third-longest in NBA history while their 18 consecutive games scoring 110 points remains the longest streak in the NBA this season.
• As a team, the Bucks shot 57.7% from the field in their win over the Wizards on Monday (2ndhighest FG% of the season). Milwaukee has outshot its opponent in 49 of its 57 games this season (most times in the NBA) and is 47-2 when doing so.
• Khris Middleton led the Bucks against the Wizards, tallying his second 40-point game of the season (had only 1 40-point game in his career before this season). Middleton has scored at least 20 points in 10 of his last 11 games and is averaging 27.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists while shooting 53.7% from the field and 48.7% from three during this 11-game stretch.
• Eric Bledsoe picked up his second double-double of the season on Monday as he scored 23 points (7-11 FG, 4-6 3FG) and dished out a season-high-tying 10 assists. In his time with the Bucks, Bledsoe has produced 13 double-doubles with the Bucks owning an 11-2 record in those games.
RECENT GAMES
Bucks at Wizards – Monday, Feb. 24 – Capital One Arena – Washington, D.C. W, 137-134 (OT) – In only the second overtime game of the season for the Bucks, they were able to pull out a 137-134 win over the Wizards in Washington, D.C. on Monday night. Despite Milwaukee leading for nearly the entirety of the first three quarters of play, and by as many as 20 points in the second half, the Wizards were able to the tie the game at 121 with 1:23 left in regulation. Later, with the game tied again at 123, Robin Lopez blocked a potential go-ahead layup by the Wizards with just 2.6 seconds remaining and the Bucks just missed a last-second opportunity to score a game-winner on the other end, sending the game to overtime tied at 123. In the overtime period, the two teams traded early baskets before the Wizards were able to take a four-point advantage with 1:57 remaining. But from there, Khris Middleton took over, scoring the final nine points of the game for the Bucks, including a huge 3-pointer with 30 seconds left that put Milwaukee up three. After the Wizards made two free throws following the Middleton three, it was Middleton’s two free throws on the other end that iced the game for the Bucks. Middleton finished the night with 40 points while Eric Bledsoe added 23 points and 10 assists. The Wizards were led by Bradley Beal who scored 55 points.
Bucks vs. 76ers – Saturday, Feb. 22 – Fiserv Forum – Milwaukee, Wisconsin W, 119-98 – The Bucks picked up another 20-point win and another wire-to-wire victory on Saturday as they defeated the 76ers at Fiserv Forum, 119-98. Milwaukee started the game on a 12-2 run and never looked back as it took a 31-21 lead after one quarter of play. In the second quarter, the 76ers were able to pull within a point at 37-36, but the Bucks responded with a 12-2 run before taking a 56-50 lead at halftime. The Bucks quickly pushed their lead back to double digits to start the second half, and eventually used a 17-3 run in the middle of the quarter to extend an 11-point lead to a 25-point advantage with 3:15 left in the third quarter. Milwaukee led by at least 20 points from that point forward as it went on to pick up its 48th win of the season and move 40 games over .500. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 31 points, 17 rebounds and eight assists while Khris Middleton chipped in 25 points. The 76ers were led by Joel Embiid, Furkan Korkmaz and Shake Milton who each scored 17 points.
Bucks at Pistons – Thursday, Feb. 20 – Little Caesars Arena – Detroit, Michigan W, 126-106 – In their first game after the All-Star break, The Bucks picked up a 20-point, 126-106, victory on Thursday night over the Pistons in Detroit. The Bucks were in the driver’s seat for this one as they racked up a 14-point lead entering the second quarter, going ahead 32-18, before taking a 29-point lead at halftime, 70-41. From there, the Bucks held on the rest of the way leading by 20 or more points for the entirety of the third quarter before building a 34-point lead in the fourth quarter – their largest lead of the night – in the final four minutes of play at 124-90. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 33 points, 16 rebounds, four assists and three steals, while Khris Middleton added 28 points. Christian Wood led the Pistons with 18 points and 11 rebounds.
Bucks at Pacers – Wednesday, Feb. 12 – Bankers Life Fieldhouse – Indianapolis, Indiana L, 111-118 – In the final game before the All-Star break, the Bucks fell to the Pacers, 111-118, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Milwaukee dug itself into a hole early, coming out of the first quarter down by 14 points, 20-34. The second quarter was more of the same as the Bucks continued to trail, this time by as many as 25 points before entering the locker room down by 23 at 45-68. By outscoring the Pacers, 26-14 in the third quarter, Milwaukee was able to cut Indiana’s lead to an 11-point advantage, 71-82. In the final frame, the Bucks were able to bring the game within four on two occasions but were unable to convert on either of these opportunities as the Pacers quickly took a 17-point lead before closing the game out ahead by seven, 118-111. Donte DiVincenzo carried the Bucks with a career-high-tying 19 points. T.J. Warren led the Pacers with 35 points.
Game Leaders Bucks Wizards Points 40 – Khris Middleton 55 – Bradley Beal Rebounds 14 – Giannis Antetokounmpo 10 – Moritz Wagner Assists 10 – Eric Bledsoe 7 – S. Napier, I. Smith Game Leaders Bucks 76ers Points 31 – Giannis Antetokounmpo 18 – J. Embiid, F. Korkmaz, S. Milton Rebounds 17 – Giannis Antetokounmpo 11 – Joel Embiid Assists 8 – G. Antetokounmpo, E. Bledsoe 4 – Joel Embiid Game Leaders Bucks Pistons Points 33 – Giannis Antetokounmpo 18 – Christian Wood Rebounds 16 – Giannis Antetokounmpo 11 – Christian Wood Assists 6 – Eric Bledsoe 7 – Bruce Brown Game Leaders Bucks Pacers Points 19 – Donte DiVincenzo 35 – T.J. Warren Rebounds 8 – S. Brown, D. DiVincenzo 9 – D. Sabonis, M. Turner Assists 5 – Khris Middleton 13 – Malcolm Brogdon
FINAL SCORE: TORONTO RAPTORS 127, INDIANA PACERS 81 DATE: FEBRUARY 23, 2020 ATTENDANCE: 19,800 (Sellout) FINAL SCORE RECORD HIGH POINTS HIGH REBOUNDS HIGH ASSISTS Indiana 81 33-24 Sabonis / A. Holiday – 14 Sabonis – 11 A. Holiday – 6 Toronto 127 42-15 Siakam – 21 Ibaka- 15 Lowry – 11 KEY RUN The Raptors led wire-to-wire … Toronto opened the game on a 15-1 run and led 34-12 after one quarter … Pascal Siakam and Serge Ibaka paced the Raptors with 11 points apiece, and Toronto shot .565 (13-for-23) from the field, in the opening period … The Pacers shot just .174 (4-for-23) in the first quarter. KEY STAT Toronto’s 46-point victory (127-81) over the Pacers was the largest margin of victory in franchise history. RAPTORS NOTES: • With the win, Toronto improves to 42-15 this season and 23-7 at home … The Raptors have won 17 of their last 18 games … Toronto is 7-1 in the month of February … The Raptors continue a four-game homestand (Feb. 21-28) Tuesday night when they welcome the Milwaukee Bucks. • Toronto has won 13 consecutive home games against the Pacers … With tonight’s victory, the Raptors won the season-series (3-1) with Indiana for the sixth straight year (2014-20) … Since the start of the 2014-15 season, Toronto is 16-5 against the Pacers in the regular season. • The Raptors have won nine straight games at Scotiabank Arena, tying their longest home winning streak of the season … Toronto opened the 2019-20 campaign with nine consecutive home victories. • Toronto held the Pacers to an opponent season-low 81 points, including 32 points in the first half. • The Raptors outscored Indiana 33-13 on the fast-break and had a 60-30 advantage in bench scoring. • Toronto shot .511 (47-for-92) from the field, including .523 (23-for-44) in the second half … The Raptors are a perfect 17-0 this season when they shoot 50 per cent from the floor. • Kyle Lowry posted his career-high sixth straight double-double, and 13 th of the season, with 16 points, 11 assists in 32 minutes … Lowry is averaging 19.3 points and 10.8 assists over the last six games. • Serge Ibaka posted his team-leading 16th double-double of the season with 15 points and a season high-tying 15 rebounds in 24 minutes of action. • Matt Thomas scored a career-high 17 points (all in the fourth quarter) in 15 minutes off the bench. • The Raptors had six players score double figures – Pascal Siakam (21), Thomas (17), Lowry (16), Ibaka (15), Terence Davis ll (13) and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (12) … Both Davis and HollisJefferson scored in double digits off the bench for the second straight game. PACERS NOTES: • With the loss, Indiana falls to 33-24 on the season and 14-14 on the road … The defeat ends the Pacers’ two-game win streak … Indiana’s next game is Tuesday at home vs. the Charlotte Hornets. • Domantas Sabonis recorded his 43rd double-double of the season (tied for third in the NBA) with 14 points and 11 rebounds in 31 minutes of action. • The Pacers had three players score in double digits – Sabonis (14), Aaron Holiday (14) and Justin Holiday (12) … A. Holiday added a team-high six assists in his 20th start of the season.
Indiana Pacers Bowen II, Brian Out G League – Two-Way Mitrou-Long, Naz Out G League – Two-Way Oladipo, Victor Out Injury/Illness – Back; Sore lower Sumner, Edmond Out Injury/Illness – Left Hip; Sore Toronto Raptors Brissett, Oshae Available – Gasol, Marc Out Injury/Illness – Left Hamstring; Strain Hernandez, Dewan Out Injury/Illness – Right Ankle; Sprain McCaw, Patrick Out Injury/Illness – Illness; Flu-like symptoms Powell, Norman Out Injury/Illness – Left Finger; Fourth – metacarpal fracture Watson, Paul Available
RAPTORS NOTES
• The Toronto Raptors continue a four-game homestand (Feb. 21-28) Sunday night when they host the Indiana Pacers at Scotiabank Arena. This is the third game between the two teams this month and the fourth and final meeting of the season. Kyle Lowry is averaging 26.0 points and 10.0 assists in three games against the Pacers this season. With a victory, Toronto would capture the season-series with Indiana for the sixth consecutive year. Since the start of the 2014-15 campaign, the Raptors are 15-5 vs. the Pacers.
• With Friday night’s win over Phoenix, the Raptors have now won eight in a row at Scotiabank Arena. It’s their second longest home winning streak of the season. Toronto opened the 2019-20 campaign with nine straight victories at Scotiabank Arena. Over the last eight home games, Toronto is averaging 124.9 points and is shooting .520 (368-708) form the field, including .417 (121-290) from three-point distance.
• Kyle Lowry is one game shy of tying Morris Peterson (542) for second on the Raptors’ all-time games played list. DeMar DeRozan is the franchise leader with 675 appearances in a Raptors uniform.
• The Raptors have finished with a winning record each of the past 22 calendar months (February 2017 – February 2020) after guaranteeing a winning month with Friday night’s victory. The streak is the longest in franchise history and the longest current streak in the NBA. The last month in which Toronto did not have a winning record was January 2017 (8–9). Toronto is 6-1 this month.
• Kyle Lowry recorded his career-high fifth straight double-double (Feb. 5-21) with 13 points and 10 assists Friday night against the Suns. Over his last five games, Lowry is averaging 17.0 points and 11.0 assists. Lowry now has 12 double-doubles this season – second most on the team behind only Serge Ibaka (15).
• Phoenix shot .176 (6-for-34) from three-point range Friday night, its lowest mark of the season. Pascal Siakam’s five three-pointers were just one fewer than the six the Suns managed on 34 attempts. The Raptors currently lead the NBA in opponent three-point percentage (.336). Opponents are averaging 38.5 three -point attempts against Toronto this season, second-most in the league behind only Milwaukee (38.8).
• The Raptors outscored Phoenix 30-17 on the fast-break Friday night. Toronto ranks first in the NBA in fast break points per game (18.9). Pascal Siakam sits fifth among all players averaging 4.2 fast break points, while Fred VanVleet is 12th at 3.5 fast-break points per game.
• Pascal Siakam is averaging career highs of 23.8 points and 7.6 rebounds through 45 games this season. Only two players in Raptors history have finished a season averaging at least 23.0 points and 7.0 rebounds: Chris Bosh in 2009–10 (24.0, 10.8) and Kawhi Leonard in 2018–19 (26.6, 7.3).
• Terence Davis ll is one of just two rookies in the NBA who has played in all games for their team this season, along with Coby White (Chicago). Two rookies have played in every game of a season for the Raptors: Vince Carter in 1998–99 (lockout-shortened 50-game season) and Matt Bonner (2004–05).
• Toronto’s 41-15 record after 56 games is the best in franchise history. The Raptors have won at least 51 games each of the previous four seasons (2015-19) after not reaching 50 wins in any of their first 20 seasons in the NBA.
• Recorded 12 points and five rebounds and matched a career high with four blocks Feb. 21 vs. Phoenix. • Toronto is 22-4 this season when Anunoby scores 10 or more points. • Averaging a career-high 10.3 points and shooting a career-best .500 from the field this season.
• Finished with game highs of 37 points and 12 rebounds in 38 minutes of action Feb. 21 vs. Phoenix • Ranks 15th in the NBA in scoring (23.8); averaging 24.5 points over the last six games (Feb. 5-21). • Has scored 30+ points 14 times; had five 30-point performances in 80 games played last season.
• Recorded 16 points, six rebounds and one block in 26 minutes of play Feb. 21 vs. Phoenix. • Averaging 19.0 points, 8.7 rebounds and 31.7 minutes in 22 games as a starter this season. • First player in NBA history with 500+ three-point field goals and 1,500+ blocks.
• Posted his fifth straight double-double with 13 points and 10 assists in 34 minutes Feb. 21 vs. Phoenix. • Passed Vince Carter (9,420) for third on the franchise’s all-time scoring list Feb. 7 at Indiana. • Ranks eighth in the NBA in assists per game (7.7); has dished out 10+ assists 12 times.
• Finished with 14 points, seven assists, seven rebounds and two steals in 36 minutes Feb. 21 vs. Phoenix. • Ranks fourth in the NBA in steals per game (1.91); has registered multiple steals in 23 games. • Has more assists than turnovers in all but two games – leads the team with a 2.95 assists to turnover ratio.
INJURY REPORT Marc Gasol (Left hamstring; tightness) – Out Dewan Hernandez (Right ankle; sprain) – Out Patrick McCaw (Flu-like symptoms) – Doubtful Norman Powell (Left hand; fourth metacarpal – fracture) – Out
Opponent: Indiana Pacers Date: Sunday, February 23 Tip-Off: 6 p.m. (ET) Venue: Scotiabank Arena Television: Sportsnet One Radio: TSN 1050 Toronto
SERIES RECAP VS. INDIANA
OVERALL HOME ROAD
2019-20 2-1 1-0 1-1
ALL-TIME 42-49 28-18 14-31
STREAKS Won 2 Won 12 Won 1
LAST WIN: February 7, 2020 (115-106)
LAST HOME WIN: February 5, 2020 (119-118)
LARGEST MARGIN OF VICTORY: +25, March 19, 2017
LARGEST MARGIN OF DEFEAT: -29, April 8, 2009
LAST TIME VS. INDIANA
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
INDIANA PACERS (33-23) at TORONTO RAPTORS (41-15) Game #57 | Road Game #28 Sunday, February 23, 2020 | 6:00 P.M. (ET) Scotiabank Arena | Toronto, ON
Last Game: 27 points (10-21 FG, 2-5 3FG, 5-5 FT), eight rebounds, three assists, two steals Currently leads the team in scoring average, and has scored 20 or more points 26 times this season….Ranks 16th in the NBA in field goal percentage (.529) …Finished with 36 points during the road win at Charlotte, 1/6, the second-highest total of his NBA career and the most by any Pacers player this season.
Last Game: 24 points (8-16 FG, 8-10 FT), 13 rebounds, three assists, two steals Currently ranks fifth in the NBA in rebounding average and third with 42 double-doubles on the season, passing his career high set last season (30)…Recorded his 19th double-double of the season with 18 points and a career-high 22 rebounds against the Clippers, 12/9..His 22 rebounds was the most by any Pacers player since 1993…Recorded his first four NBA triple-doubles this season, becoming the third Pacers player in team history with at least four in one season. Center 33 Myles Turner 6-11 255 2019-20 Averages: 11.8 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.9 bpg, .450 FG%, .342 3FG%, .760 FT%
Last Game: Eight points (3-7 FG, 1-4 3FG), eight rebounds, one steal, one block Ranks fourth in the NBA this season in blocks (1.93 per game)…Posted his fourth double-double of the year and set season highs with 27 points and 14 rebounds in the road win at Chicago, 1/10…Led the NBA and tied for third in Pacers franchise history with 199 blocked shots in 2018-19…Also became the first Pacers player since Jermaine O’Neal in 2000-01 to lead the NBA in blocks. Guard 4 Victor Oladipo 6-4 210 2019-20 Averages: 10.8 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 2.6 apg, .323 FG%, .250 3FG%, .765 FT%
Last Game: Eight points (3-8 FG, 1-3 3FG, 1-2 FT), three rebounds, one assist Has started in each of his last five appearances, scoring in double figures four times for an average of 12.2 points per game…Made his season debut against Chicago, 1/29, played his first game since Jan. 23, 2019, and made the game-tying 3-pointer with 10.3 seconds remaining to force overtime in the win over the Bulls.
Last Game: 11 points (4-14 FG, 0-5 3FG, 3-4 FT), eight rebounds, six assists, one steal Ranks fifth in the NBA in free throw percentage this season (.902)…Ranks 10th in the NBA in assists, and is averaging career highs in points, rebounds, asissts and steals…Has posted nine double-doubles on the season, including four straight to begin the regular season. He had only recorded four double-doubles over his first three NBA seasons entering this year.
Injury Report
Victor Oladipo ……..Sore lower back ……………………..Questionable
Edmond Sumner .Sore left hip …………………………….Questionable
BROGDON’S FREE THROW STREAK Malcolm Brogdon ranks fifth in the NBA in free throw percentage at 90.2 percent on the season. Brogdon made 44 straight free throw attempts from the third quarter against the Pistons on Oct. 23 until his first attempt against Utah on Nov. 27. His streak placed him fifth in Pacers NBA franchise history for most consecutive free throws made: Player Consecutive FT Made Dates 1. Danny Granger 65 Jan. 21-Feb. 22, 2008 2. Reggie Miller 61 Feb. 5-March 13, 2005 3. Reggie Miller 60 March 18-April 6, 2005 4. Reggie Miller 52 March 5-18, 1991 5. Malcolm Brogdon 44 Oct. 23-Nov. 27 Brogdon set career highs in free throws made and attempts as he made all 15 of his foul shots in Indiana’s home win over Boston, 12/11. He became only the eighth player in NBA franchise history to make all of his free throw attempts while shooting at least 15. Player FTM-FTA Date 1. Danny Granger 17-17 vs. Golden State, 12/17/08 Billy Knight 17-17 vs. Philadelphia, 3/15/83 3. Danny Granger 16-16 vs. Golden State, 3/1/11 4. Malcolm Brogdon 15-15 vs. Boston, 12/11/19 Jalen Rose 15-15 vs. Utah, 12/22/00 Reggie Miller 15-15 vs. Orlando, 4/2/94 Reggie Miller 15-15 vs. Denver, 1/12/94 Clark Kellogg 15-15 at Seattle, 1/5/93
Holiday Season Aaron and Justin Holiday brothers became the seventh pair of brothers to play in a game for the same team in NBA history as they took the floor on Opening Night against Detroit. There have now been 10 sets of brothers as Giannis and Thanasis Antetotkounmpo and Brook and Robin Lopez have suited up together for the Milwaukee Bucks, and Cody and Caleb Martin have played together for the Charlotte Hornets. During the Pacers’ road victory at Brooklyn on Nov. 18, Aaron Holiday posted his first NBA doubledouble and new career highs with 24 points and 13 assists. His older brother, Justin, scored a 20 points on 6-for-11 shooting. The Holidays became the first pair of brothers on the same team to each score 20+ points in the same game in NBA history. Additionally, the two combined for eight 3-pointers, making four apiece, which was the most by a pair of brothers in NBA history. Aaron Holiday followed that performance by capping his 13-point outing with the go-ahead 3-pointer with 8.7 seconds remaining to lift Indiana to a home win over Orlando, 11/23. During the Pacers’ road game at New Orleans on Dec. 28, Aaron and Justin Holiday competed against their middle brother, Jrue. The three brothers all were on the court together for the first time during the third quarter, marking the first tieme in NBA history in which three brothers played at the same time during a regular season game.
NINE MEN IN The 2019-20 Indiana Pacers return eight players from last season’s team. After back-to-back seasons in which the Pacers posted a 48-34 record and finished as the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, Indiana will feature nine new faces this season, including six players with at least three years of NBA experience. Of Indiana’s returning players, Myles Turner – who in his fifth season is also the longest-tenured Pacer on the roster – is the lone returning starter from last season’s playoff series against the Boston Celtics. Domantas Sabonis is expected to step into the starting lineup in the frontcourt along with Turner. Sabonis, who was a finalist for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award last season, set new career highs in nearly every statistical category in 2018-19 and set a new franchise record for the highest field goal percentage in a season as he shot 59.0 percent from the floor. Newcomers and projected starters Malcolm Brogdon, Jeremy Lamb and T.J. Warren all enjoyed career seasons with their respective clubs last season. Lamb averaged career highs with 15.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game for Charlotte last season. Warren played only 43 games for Phoenix, but averaged 19.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and set a career high by shooting 42.8 percent from 3-point range. Brogdon helped lead the Milwaukee Bucks to the Eastern Conference Finals, and became the eighth player in NBA history to shoot at least 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from 3-point range and 90 percent from the free throw line in the regular season. Other notable veteran additions include Justin Holiday (10.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game for Chicago and Memphis last season), T.J. McConnell (6.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists and a NBA-leading 1.1 steals per game off the bench for Philadelphia) two-way player Naz Mitrou-Long and JaKarr Sampson (20.0 points, 8.0 rebounds in four games for Chicago at the end of last season). The Pacers also feature two rookies on their roster. Goga Bitadze was the 18th selection in the 2019 NBA Draft. A 20-year old and native of the Republic of Georgia, Bitadze has played professionally since he was 16. He averaged 13.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game last season, and earned the Euroleague Rising Star Award, a prestigious honor previously awarded to current and former NBA players such as Luka Doncic, Alex Abrines, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Nikola Mirotic, Ricky Rubio, Rudy Fernandez, Andrea Bargnani and Danilo Gallinari. Brian Bowen II went undrafted, but signed a two-way contract on July 1. He competed with the Pacers’ Summer League team in Las Vegas in July and averaged 12.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 50 percent from the field, 50 percent from 3-point range and 10for-10 from the free throw line. He spent the regular season in Australia with the Sydney Kings in 2018-19 and averaged 6.3 points and 3.2 rebounds over 30 games played. New Indiana Pacers Players – 2019-20 Player 2018-19 Avg. Acquired Goga Bitadze 13.9 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 1.9 bpg 18th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft Brian Bowen 6.3 ppg, 3.2 rpg Signed as a free agent, 7/1 Malcolm Brogdon 15.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.2 aspg From Milwaukee, 7/7 Justin Holiday 10.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.5 spg Signed as a free agent, 7/31 Jeremy Lamb 10.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.5 spg Signed as a free agent, 7/6 T.J. McConnell 6.4 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 3.4 apg, 1.0 spg Signed as a free agent, 7/29.
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HOME COURT HEROES The Pacers secured a winning record on their home court in 30 consecutive seasons, which is the longest active streak in the NBA. Indiana currently holds a 19-9 record at home this season and has outscored its opponents by an average of 4.5 points per game. Opponents are shooting 44.8 percent from the field and 32.8 percent from 3-point range for an average of 106.4 points per game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Pacers allowed the fewest points per game at home in the NBA in 2018-19 while holding opponents to 100.9 points per game on 43.8 percent shooting (first in the league). The NBA record for the most consecutive seasons with a winning record at home is held by the Phoenix Suns, who posted 34 straight winning seasons at home from 1969-2003. Since the building’s opening in 1999, the Pacers have posted a 558-277 (.669) record at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. In Indiana’s NBA history, the Pacers hold a 1,126-633 (.639) record at home, the 10th best winning percentage at home among active NBA franchises. TURNER’S BLOCK PARTY Myles Turner led the NBA in blocked shots during the 2018-19 regular season with a career-high 2.69 rejections per game. Despite missing eight games due to injury, Turner led the NBA with 199 total blocks. He recorded at least one block in all but five games, and posted 11 games with five or more blocks. Turner became the first Pacers player since Jermaine O’Neal in 2000-01 to lead the NBA in blocked shots. Entering this season, only two players in franchise history averaged more than 2.5 blocks per game over an entire season (O’Neal, 2.8 in 2000-01 and 2.6 in 2006-07; Roy Hibbert, 2.6 in 2012-13).
FINAL SCORE: TORONTO RAPTORS 118, PHOENIX SUNS 101 DATE: FEBRUARY 21, 2020 ATTENDANCE: 19,800 (Sellout) FINAL SCORE RECORD HIGH POINTS HIGH REBOUNDS HIGH ASSISTS Phoenix 101 22-34 Booker – 21 Ayton – 10 Rubio – 9 Toronto 118 41-15 Siakam – 37 Siakam – 12 Lowry – 10 KEY RUN Leading 102-95 with 5:29 remaining in the fourth, Toronto went on a 9-2 run to push the lead to 14 with 2:44 left … The Raptors led by double figures the rest of the way. KEY STAT Toronto shot .525 (42-for-80) from the field, including .543 (25-for-46) in the first half … The Raptors are a perfect 16-0 this season when they shoot 50 per cent from the floor. RAPTORS NOTES: • With the win, Toronto improves to 41-15 this season and 22-7 at home … The Raptors have won five straight games vs. Phoenix, their longest winning streak against the Suns ever … Toronto is 6-1 in the month of February … The Raptors continue a four-game homestand (Feb. 21-28) Sunday night when they host the Indiana Pacers. • The Raptors have won eight consecutive games at Scotiabank Arena (Jan. 17 – Feb. 21), their second longest home winning streak of the season. • Toronto outscored the Suns 30-17 on the fast-break. • The Raptors led by as many as 26 points late in the first half. • Toronto committed a season-high 25 turnovers. • Pascal Siakam recorded his 11th double-double of the season with game highs of 37 points and 12 rebounds in 38 minutes … Siakam scored 17 points in the first quarter. • Kyle Lowry posted his fifth straight double-double and 12th of the season with 13 points and a game-high 10 assists in 34 minutes … Lowry is averaging 17.0 points and 11.0 assists during this span. • All five Toronto starters scored in double digits, combing for 92 points. • The Raptors had seven players score double figures – Siakam (37), Serge Ibaka (16), Terence Davis ll (14), Fred VanVleet (14), Lowry (13), OG Anunoby (12), Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (10). SUNS NOTES: • With the loss, Phoenix falls to 22-34 on the season and 11-16 on the road … The Suns have lost five in a row on the road … Phoenix continues a three-game road trip tomorrow night at Chicago. • Deandre Ayton returned to the lineup after missing the previous two games (Feb. 10-12) with left ankle soreness … Ayton recorded his 16th double-double with 17 points and 10 boards in 36 minutes. • The Suns had four players score in double digits – Devin Booker (21), Ayton (17), Ricky Rubio (13) and Kelly Oubre Jr.(11).
PHX@TOR Phoenix Suns Ayton, Deandre Probable Injury/Illness – Left Ankle; Soreness Baynes, Aron Probable Injury/Illness – Left Hip; Soreness Harper, Jared Out G League – Two-Way Kaminsky, Frank Out Injury/Illness – Right Patella; Stress Fracture Lecque, Jalen Out G League – On Assignment Okobo, Elie Probable Injury/Illness – Left Ankle; Sprain Owens, Tariq Out G League – Two-Way Saric, Dario Probable Injury/Illness – Left Ankle; Sprain Toronto Raptors Brissett, Oshae Available – Gasol, Marc Out Injury/Illness – Left Hamstring; Strain Hernandez, Dewan Out Injury/Illness – Right Ankle; Sprain McCaw, Patrick Doubtful Injury/Illness – Illness; Flu-like symptoms Powell, Norman Doubtful Injury/Illness – Left Finger; Fourth – metacarpal fracture Watson, Paul Out G League – Two-Way
RAPTORS NOTES
• The Toronto Raptors return from the NBA All-Star break Friday night when they host the Phoenix Suns at Scotiabank Arena. Toronto has swept back-to-back season-series against Phoenix. Serge Ibaka averaged 18.0 points in two games against the Suns last season, while Kyle Lowry averaged a double-double with 13.5 points and 10.0 assists. The Raptors had their franchise-record winning streak stopped at 15 games with a 101-91 loss Feb. 12 at Brooklyn.
• Toronto begins the unofficial second half of the season with a four-game homestand (Feb. 21-28). The Raptors have won seven in a row at Scotiabank Arena, their second longest home winning streak of the season. Toronto opened the season with nine straight victories at Scotiabank Arena. Over the last seven home games, Toronto is averaging 125.9 points and is shooting .519 (326-628) form the field, including .423 (107-253) from three-point distance.
• With a victory Friday night over Phoenix, the Raptors would guarantee a winning record for the month of February. Toronto has finished with a winning record each of the past 21 calendar months (February 2017 – January 2020). The streak is the longest in franchise history and the longest current streak in the NBA. The last month in which Toronto did not have a winning record was January 2017 (8–9).
• Kyle Lowry recorded his 16th career triple-double, and 14th in a Raptors uniform, Feb. 12 at Brooklyn. He finished with 12 points and team highs of 12 assists and 11 rebounds against the Nets. Lowry’s 14 tripledoubles are more than all other Raptors combined (12). The last player to record a triple-double for Toronto other than Lowry was Jose Calderon on Dec. 16, 2012 vs. Houston.
• The Raptors have finished with fewer turnovers than their opponent in each of the last 16 games (Jan. 15 – Feb. 12) – the longest streak in franchise history. Toronto has a +79 (218-to-297) turnover differential during this stretch and leads the NBA in points per game off turnovers (22.5). The Raptors are 33-9 this season when recording fewer turnovers than their opponent in a game.
• Serge Ibaka scored a game-high 28 points in the loss to Brooklyn last Wednesday. Ibaka has now scored 20+ points in six of his last eight games played (Jan. 28 – Feb. 12). He is averaging a team-high 22.4 points during this span, while shooting 61 per cent (72-118) from the floor. Ibaka has now scored 20 or more 15 times this season, something he did 16 times in 74 games last season.
• Toronto’s 40-15 record after 55 games is the best in franchise history. The Raptors reached 40 wins prior to the All-Star break for the third consecutive year. Toronto has won at least 51 games each of the last four seasons (2015-19) after not reaching 50 wins in any of their first 20 seasons in the NBA.
• The Raptors outscored Brooklyn 22-11 on the fast-break last Wednesday. Toronto ranks second in the NBA in fast break points per game (18.7), behind only Milwaukee (19.0). Pascal Siakam ranks fifth among all players averaging 4.1 fast break points, while Fred VanVleet is 12th at 3.6 fast-break points per game.
• Kyle Lowry is two games shy of tying Morris Peterson (542) for second on the Raptors’ all-time games played list. DeMar DeRozan is the franchise leader with 675 appearances in a Raptors uniform.
• Scored four points and grabbed three rebounds in 32 minutes Feb. 12 at Brooklyn. • Toronto is 21-4 this season when Anunoby scores 10 or more points. • Averaging a career-high 10.2 points and shooting a career-best .499 from the field this season.
• Totaled 16 points, eight rebounds and four assists in 37 minutes Feb. 12 at Brooklyn. • Ranks 15th in the NBA in scoring (23.7); averaging 22.0 points (Feb. 5-12) over the last five games. • Has scored 30+ points 13 times; had five 30-point performances in 80 games played last season.
• Scored a game-high 28 points and collected nine rebounds in 35 minutes Feb. 12 at Brooklyn. • Averaging 19.1 points, 8.9 rebounds and 32.0 minutes in 21 games as a starter this season. • First player in NBA history with 500+ three-point field goals and 1,500+ blocks.
• Posted his second triple-double of the season with 12 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds Feb. 12 at Brooklyn. • Passed Vince Carter (9,420) for third on the franchise’s all-time scoring list Feb. 7 at Indiana. • Ranks eighth in the NBA in assists per game (7.6); has dished out 10+ assists 11 times
• Finished with 22 points, two rebounds and one assist in 39 minutes Feb. 12 at Brooklyn. • Ranks fourth in the NBA in steals per game (1.91); has registered multiple steals in 22 games. • Has scored 20+ points in three of the last four games (Feb. 7-12); averaging 21.8 points during this stretch.
INJURY REPORT Marc Gasol (Left hamstring; tightness) – Out Dewan Hernandez (Right ankle; sprain) – Out Patrick McCaw (Flu-like symptoms) – Doubtful Norman Powell (Left hand; fourth metacarpal – fracture) – Doubtful.
TONIGHT’S GAME DETAILS
Opponent: Phoenix Suns Date: Friday, February 21 Tip-Off: 7:30 p.m. (ET) Venue: Scotiabank Arena Television: TSN Radio: Sportsnet 590 The FAN
SERIES RECAP VS. PHOENIX
OVERALL HOME ROAD 2018-19
2-0 1-0 1-0 ALL-TIME 16-29 8-14 8-15
STREAKS Won 4 Won 2 Won 2
LAST WIN: January 17, 2019 (111-109)
LAST HOME WIN: January 17, 2019 (111-109)
LARGEST MARGIN OF VICTORY: +27, March 6, 2013
LARGEST MARGIN OF DEFEAT: -20, February 27, 2009
LAST TIME VS. PHOENIX
GAME 47 – JANUARY 17, 2019 TORONTO 111, PHOENIX 109
TORONTO – Pascal Siakam scored the winning basket just before time expired and the Toronto Raptors beat the Phoenix Suns 111-109 … Serge Ibaka put Toronto up 109-107 on a hook shot with 47 seconds left, but Mikal Bridges tied it with a pair of free throws with 13 seconds remaining … Toronto gave the ball to Siakam, whose driving shot bounced off the backboard and fell through the rim as time ran out … Siakam had 10 points and 12 rebounds, Ibaka scored 22 points and Kyle Lowry had 16 points and nine rebounds for the Raptors, who have won eight straight at home and six of seven overall … Devin Booker scored 30 points, Deandre Ayton had 15 points and 17 rebounds, and Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 18 for the Suns … Fred VanVleet had 15 points and C.J. Miles returned after missing three of the previous four games because of a sore right hip to score 13 as Toronto swept back-to-back season series against Phoenix for the first time … Kawhi Leonard (rest) sat as the Raptors played the second game of a back-to-back … Lowry was originally expected to rest, but told coach Nick Nurse he wanted to play as he works is way back into shape after missing time with a sore back … The Raptors are an NBAbest 8-1 in the second game of back-to-backs this season … Lowry finished with eight assists, giving him 5,002 for his career.
1 2 3 4 TOT
PHOENIX 20 29 29 31 109
TORONTO 32 25 20 34 111
NEXT GAME DETAILS Opponent: Indiana Pacers Date: Sunday, February 23 Tip-Off: 6 p.m. (ET) Venue: Scotiabank Arena Television: Sportsnet One Radio: TSN 1050 Toronto
SERIES RECAP VS. INDIANA
OVERALL HOME ROAD 2019-20
2-1 1-0 1-1 ALL-TIME 42-49 28-18 14-31
STREAKS Won 2 Won 12 Won 1
LAST WIN: February 7, 2020 (115-106)
LAST HOME WIN: February 5, 2020 (119-118)
LARGEST MARGIN OF VICTORY: +25, March 19, 2017
LARGEST MARGIN OF DEFEAT: -29, April 8, 2009
LAST TIME VS. INDIANA
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
GAME 55 – FEBRUARY 12, 2020 BROOKLYN 101 , TORONTO 91 BROOKLYN — The Toronto Raptors had their franchise-record winning streak stopped at 15 games with a 101-91 loss to the Brooklyn Nets … The Raptors couldn’t find the form that helped them average 121.2 points and shoot 50 per cent over the previous 15 games … This time, they hit only 37.8 per cent, with Kyle Lowry’s triple-double coming on a night when the point guard was just 4 for 13 … Serge Ibaka had 28 points and nine rebounds for the Raptors … Fred VanVleet scored 22 points and Lowry had 12 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds … Caris LeVert scored 20 points for the Nets, who ended a six-game losing streak against the Raptors … Harris added 19 points and Spencer Dinwiddie had 17 points and nine assists for the Nets, who head into the break 25-28 after having Kyrie Irving for just 20 games … The Nets extended a 10-point lead after three quarters to 80-65 … Ibaka made a three-pointer and VanVleet converted a three-point play to cut it to 91-82 with 4:13 remaining, but LeVert made consecutive baskets to quickly push the lead back into double figures … The Nets scored the first seven points of the second quarter to open a 3019 lead … The Raptors had the deficit down to six in the final minute of the period, but the Nets made it 52-40 at halftime … Toronto’s 15-game run was the longest winning streak ever snapped by the Nets.
1 2 3 4 TOT
TORONTO 19 21 25 26 91
BROOKLYN 23 29 23 26 101
GAME 54 – FEBRUARY 10, 2020 TORONTO 137 , MINNESOTA 126
TORONTO – OG Anunoby scored a career-high 25 points and matched his career best with 12 rebounds, Kyle Lowry had 27 points and 11 assists, and the Raptors extended their franchise-record winning streak to 15 by beating the Timberwolves 137-126 … Pascal Siakam scored 14 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson had a seasonhigh 21 and Fred VanVleet added 16 as the Raptors won their 16th straight home meeting with Minnesota … D’Angelo Russell scored 22 points in his Minnesota debut and Karl-Anthony Towns had 23 points and 10 rebounds, but the Timberwolves couldn’t build on Saturday’s surprise victory over the Clippers that snapped a 13-game losing streak … Jarrett Culver, Malik Beasley and Juancho Hernangomez scored 15 apiece for the Timberwolves, who have lost five straight against Toronto … Minnesota trailed 106-94 through three quarters but former Raptor James Johnson made two 3-pointers as the Timberwolves opened the fourth with a 12-2 run, cutting it to 108-106 with 9:07 left … That was as close as Minnesota would get … Chris Boucher and Siakam scored to push Toronto’s lead back to six points, and VanVleet and Patrick McCaw hit 3-pointers on either side of Towns’ free throw to make it 120-109 with 5:28 remaining.
1 2 3 4 TOT
MINNESOTA 36 39 19 32 126
TORONTO 40 34 32 31 137
PHOENIX SUNS
LAST GAME’S STARTERS (Record when using this starting lineup: 1-0)
F 3 KELLY OUBRE JR. 6-7 203
LAST GAME: Scored 15 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 32 minutes in win vs. GSW LAST VS. TOR: Scored 18 points and had 9 rebounds off bench on 1/17 last season + Has scored 10+ in 22 straight, averaging 21.2 pts on 46.8 FG%, 40.7 3P% plus 7.7 reb… NBA Ranks: 1.25 spg (31st), 34.4 mpg (t-24th)
F 25 MIKAL BRIDGES 6-6 209
LAST GAME: Scored 14 points on 6-12 FG and 2-4 3P plus 3 steals and 1 block vs. GSW LAST VS. TOR: Scored 15 points with 5 rebounds and 4 assists on 1/17 last season + Averaging 10.9 points (50.9 FG%, 45.7 3P%), 4.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.5 3P in 14 starts this season… NBA Ranks: 1.47 spg (16th)
C 14 CHEICK DIALLO 6-8 219
LAST GAME: Made 2nd straight start, scoring 10 points on 5-6 FG plus 8 rebounds vs. GSW LAST VS. TOR: With NOP, posted DD with 16 points and 12 rebounds on 3/8 last season + Made first 2 starts of season over last 2, averaging 12.5 points on 12-15 FG (80.0%)… He had 1 career start prior to these last 2 games (3/26/2019 with New Orleans vs. ATL)
G 1 DEVIN BOOKER 6-5 206
LAST GAME: Led Suns with 27 points, also dishing out 8 assists in win vs. GSW LAST VS. TOR: Led Suns with 30 points and 8 assists in 2-point loss on 1/17 last season + Posting career highs this season in FG% and FT%… NBA Ranks: 26.4 ppg (10th), 6.3 apg (19th), 49.6 FG% (30th), 92.0 FT% (2nd), 35.9 mpg (7th)
G 11 RICKY RUBIO 6-3 190
LAST GAME: Led Suns with 9 assists, also recording 9 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals vs. GSW LAST VS. TOR: With UTA, had 14 points and 8 assists on 1/1 last season + His 8.6 assists per game are the most by a Suns player since Steve Nash averaged 10.7 in 2011-12… NBA Ranks: 8.6 apg (4th), 1.36 spg (21st)
Injury Report Statuses TBD Injury Report Statuses TBD Deandre Ayton (left ankle soreness) has missed last 2 games Dario Šarić (left ankle sprain) has missed last 7 games Aron Baynes (left hip soreness) has missed last 13 games Frank Kaminsky III (right patella stress fracture) has missed last 22 games Jared Harper (2W), Jalen Lecque (A), Tariq Owens (2W) are with G League LAST GAME INACTIVES: Baynes, Harper, Kaminsky, Šarić .
Six straight all-star selections. All after turning 28 years old. A staple at the NBA’s mid-season classic.
Not bad for a late first-round selection who missed most of his rookie season due to an injury and didn’t even fully establish himself as a starter until he was 27 and on his third team.
With that unorthodox journey and all of the experiences within comes some perspective for Lowry.
“I enjoy it even more every single time I’m an all-star because you never know when it’s going to not be there, right?” Lowry said in a recent 1-on-1 interview with Postmedia.
Lowry particularly enjoys the family time and how much fun his sons, Karter and Kameron, get to have hanging around and even taking part in the weekend. Lowry said he was trying to get Karter a ballboy gig in Chicago.
“Having my kids around to see the other guys (is the best part),” Lowry said. “Because I have friends that are all-stars and my kids get to take pictures with them and create those memories. And those guys really treat my kids like their own and I really appreciate it,” he said.
“They already knew what all-star is (even when they were younger). They understand it and now it’s just more fun for them to be there and they’ve been on TV (sometimes, like during the classic slam dunk contest in 2016), so they’re used to it. So it’s cool for memories and stuff like that.”
The view from left field 