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).
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.”
On what intangibles were present for the Nets tonight: “I think I said it before the game, our compete level, our intensity level has to be three levels higher than them to have an opportunity to win the game. I thought our physicality, the things we were missing in the last two games against them, I thought we just raised that. We wanted it bad. The execution wasn’t perfect, but our will to win was at a super-high level. That’s why we came out with the W.”
On how big it has been to have balanced scoring: “I think – I don’t know how many turnovers we had – we took care of it. Against this team, you have to take care of it. You have to limit their transition points, and we’re starting to get some chemistry with the guys and it’s flowing better on both sides of the ball. Tonight was really a story about our defense. Going into the All-Star break, I know we have 30-something games left, but we’re a top 10 defensive team. Obviously, offensively we have a ways to go. But that’s a nice — you know I said, what was our identity? That looks like our identity right now if you say pick one thing that the Nets are doing well, and I think our defense will probably be top eight after this game. So we have to continue that and then shoot the ball a little better on offense.”
On if he feels like the Nets are turning a corner by being able to go toe-to-toe against teams with winning records: “I think we understand that there’s potential to see these teams down the road in a more important scenario, so it’s important that we play well. It’s important that we get this information against a really good team if you have to face off against them in the playoffs. Obviously, this wasn’t a playoff game, but it gave us good information. I think when we’re healthy and we have our whole roster intact, we’ll be pretty good. Let’s see how this stretch after the All-Star break goes. It’s important. We really want to gain some momentum, be playing well at the end of the season. That’s the goal right now.”
BROOKLYN NETS POSTGAME QUOTES
JOE HARRIS FEBRUARY 12, 2020
On the team’s defensive mentality since the last Toronto matchup: “I think the process has been right. Sometimes you get a little fortunate, teams are off. I thought tonight and especially against Indiana we just did a better job contesting every shot. We did a good job scrambling around. A lot of times defense gets broken down, but it’s about the second effort, closing out still getting contests. You know, we just talked about trying to be the more aggressive and assertive team on both ends. Especially when you play against quality teams. That’s usually what dictates the game, who is able to establish as the aggressor early on.”
On the team’s growth, ability to go toe-to-toe with quality teams: “It’s definitely a step in the right direction. Especially going to Indiana getting a win there. I don’t think we’d beaten any teams over .500 on the road all year, so for us to go on the road and have a big win like that is just good in terms of confidence going forward. Obviously we’re going to have a lot of tough games after the All-Star break. I don’t think anyone’s looking too far ahead. The biggest thing right now is making sure some guys recover but also some guys getting enough work over the break. Last time we had a few days off (after the holidays) we turned around and were 3–13. So I think a lot of guys are still trying to stay locked in. Take advantage of the time off that we have, rest, recuperate, get our bodies right and make sure we finish off this second half of the year strong.”
On ramping up effort with the possibility of playoffs: “Yeah, I think at the end of the day all you really want is just to be playing quality basketball. We started sharing the ball better. Guys are starting to find their rhythm in terms of shooting. And then the effort, the focus defensively I think it’s just been, we’ve been more cohesive. Whether it’s a testament to the focus, locking in with the preparation or whatever it might be. I think we knew how important this stretch was going into the break. It’s just a testament to guys locking in and staying focused and we just need to continue to do that moving forward.”
BROOKLYN NETS POSTGAME QUOTES
JARRETT ALLEN FEBRUARY 12, 2020
On what the energy is like in the locker room after a big win like tonight’s: “It’s a great win. Especially snapping that 15-game win streak. It’s a big mark for us.”
On how much sharing the ball offensively has been a point of emphasis: “I wouldn’t say it’s been a point of emphasis. We’ve been working on our defense and you always hear defense goes to offense.”
On if their recent wins against teams with lower records helped them get into a groove to win against teams with winning records: “It definitely does. Everybody talks about momentum in this league and that’s definitely what it is. Coming into these two games, these last three games before the break, tough schedule. Toronto, Indiana and then back to Toronto, we definitely had a good momentum coming in to this.”
On if teams like Toronto bring the intensity out of the Nets or is it a conscious mentality that they bring into the game: “It definitely has to be a conscious mentality. There have been games before where we came in not with the best mindset and got blown out. I’ll take Milwaukee for an example. They blew us out. But today, you could just feel the energy when we came into the locker room, we had shoot around before. Everybody was pumped up ready to play.”
BROOKLYN NETS POSTGAME QUOTES
NICK NURSE FEBRUARY 12, 2020
On what his mentality is heading into the All-Star break: “I think when you look at it in totality, sitting where we are right now, I think we’re extremely pleased to get to this point. The good news is I think we’ll Marc Gasol back after the break. Norman Powell is pretty close as well. Obviously that’s what is most important, is to get our team back as a whole. I think our team really battled well with a couple of key guys missing. I think we’ve had a healthy team for two games this season, so we’ve done a nice job of plugging in and picking up. In the big scheme of things, you look at the overall of where you’re sitting and we have to be pleased with that.”
On what the makeup of this team is this year without Kawhi Leonard: “Well, I think that we’re hoping that some of these guys have taken some steps forward. Obviously Kawhi (Leonard) is a late-game closer on both ends of the floor. Pascal Siakam has to assume that role. Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol have kind of stepped forward to assume the secondary role to Pascal Siakam. Fred VanVleet continues to get better. Norman Powell, before he got hurt, was getting better. So probably it’ll be a little more by committee on both ends and trying to figure out matchups. Again, our team has played pretty well. We’ve got some growth to do and we need to do for sure if we want to make a run at it again.”
BROOKLYN NETS POSTGAME QUOTES
FRED VANVLEET FEBRUARY 12, 2020
On the win streak ending and what he saw tonight: “It is what it is, man. I just think we didn’t have enough juice to overcome some of the things that were going on tonight. So, just didn’t have enough juice. I thought we were a little flat early and just couldn’t really get it going after that. It is what it is. We weren’t going to win them all. The break has come at a good time. Everybody is going on break and take some time and come back and get one started again.”
On what the Nets did differently tonight compared to past matchups: “Give them credit, they went and won the game. I’m not going to disrespect those guys, but we didn’t really make it that difficult for them. I don’t know how much adjustments they made. They just kind of played a little harder, fought a little harder. They hustled more, made their shots and we didn’t make ours. I didn’t see too many gameplay switches from them, felt pretty similar out there. We just didn’t play well enough to win, and they did.”
On if it felt like there was any carry over from the two teams’ last matchup: “They played us tough last game. This is a good team. Anybody can lose any given night in the NBA. It wasn’t like we were overlooking them or anything. We know they’re a tough team, they’re a playoff team and they played us tough pretty much every time we play them, and tonight was no different. Like I said, we just didn’t have enough to get over the hump tonight.”
BROOKLYN NETS POSTGAME QUOTES
KYLE LOWRY FEBRUARY 12, 2020
On if the All-Star break comes at a bad time following a loss: “I’m glad to get away, we need separation. You’ve been grinding since September and you need this time to kind of mentally decompress, physically decompress, and have guys go live their lives. Then we come back together and have the kind of newfound excitement to see each other again. That’s the one thing about the break, it gives you that time away from your brothers. You love being around them. We have a great team, so we don’t mind being around each other. But you know when you get back together it’s kind of like alright fellas, good to see you let’s have some more fun.”
On where he saw game plan changes from the Nets after playing them this past weekend: “They made shots, they played well. We didn’t play too well. They stuck with their coverages, they stuck with their game plan, they stuck with their schemes. We played kind of like walking zombies. We didn’t play well tonight, simple as that. We missed shots, we weren’t aggressive, we just didn’t play well. Give them credit. They played their butts off and they beat us. It’s only one game.”
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 Musa, Dzanan Out G League – On Assignment 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 Ibaka, Serge Questionable Injury/Illness – Illness; Flu-like symptoms Powell, Norman Out Injury/Illness – Left Finger; Fourth; metacarpal – fracture Watson, Paul Out G League – Two-Way
KEY RUN Leading 112-108 with 6:42 remaining in the fourth, Toronto went on a 20-5 run to push the lead to 19 with 3:07 left … The Raptors led by double digits the rest of the way.
KEY STAT Toronto shot .573 (51-for-89) from the field, including .643 (27-for-42) in the first half … The Raptors improved to a perfect 15-0 this season when they shoot +.500 from the floor.
RAPTORS NOTES: • With the win, Toronto improves to 40-14 this season and 21-7 at home … The Raptors have won five straight games vs. Minnesota and swept the season-series for the second straight year … Toronto’s last game before the All-Star break is Wednesday night at Brooklyn. • The Raptors won their franchise record 15th straight game (Jan. 15 – Feb. 10) – the second longest win streak in the NBA this season … Toronto has won six in a row at home during this stretch. • The Raptors have now won 16 consecutive games at home vs. Minnesota … The Timberwolves’ last victory at Toronto was Jan. 21, 2004. • Toronto’s 40-14 record after 54 games is the best in franchise history … The Raptors have reached 40 wins prior to the All-Star break for the third straight year. • The Raptors outscored Minnesota 60-38 in the paint and 35-10 on the fast-break. • Kyle Lowry recorded his 10th double-double of the season, finishing with 27 points and 11 assists in 40 minutes … Lowry has a double-double in each of his last three games played (Feb. 5-10). • OG Anunoby posted his fifth double-double of the season with a career-high 25 points and a career high-tying 12 rebounds in 36 minutes … Toronto is 4-0 this year when Anunoby scores 20 or more. • In his third start of the year, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson scored a season-high 21 points in 34 minutes. • All five Toronto starters scored in double digits, combing for a franchise record 123 points. • The Raptors had five players score double figures – Pascal Siakam (34), Lowry (27), Anunoby (25), Hollis-Jefferson (21) and Fred VanVleet (16) … Toronto had four players score 20 or more points in the same game for just the ninth time in team history.
TIMBERWOLVES NOTES: • With the loss, Minnesota falls to 16-36 on the season and 9-17 on the road … The Timberwolves have dropped seven straight games on the road (Jan. 7 – Feb. 10) … Minnesota’s final game before the All-Star break is Wednesday night when they host Charlotte. • D’Angelo Russell finished with 22 points in 32 minutes in his debut with Minnesota. • The Timberwolves had five players score in double digits – Karl Anthony-Towns (23), Russell (22), Juancho Hernangomez (15), Malik Beasley (15) and Jarrett Culver (15) … Anthony-Towns pulled down 10 rebounds for his fifth straight double-double and 24th of the season.
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
Indiana Pacers Bowen II, Brian Out G League – Two-Way Johnson, Alize Out G League – On Assignment Mitrou-Long, Naz Out G League – Two-Way Oladipo, Victor Questionable Injury/Illness – Right Knee; Injury recovery Warren, T.J. Questionable Injury/Illness – Not Available; Concussion 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 Powell, Norman Out Injury/Illness – Left Hand; Fourth Metacarpal- Fracture
RAPTORS NOTES • The Toronto Raptors visit the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Friday night. This is the third of four meetings between the two teams. Serge Ibaka connected on the go-ahead basket with 30 seconds left, as the Raptors overcame a 19-point deficit to beat Indiana at home on Wednesday. Kyle Lowry led all scorers with 32 points in the victory, while Ibaka added a season-high 30. Lowry and Ibaka are averaging 31.0 and 26.5 points, respectively, in two games vs. the Pacers this season. Toronto has dropped their last two visits to Indiana. he Raptors and Pacers will face each other three times in the month of February. • The Raptors set a franchise record with their 12th straight victory (Jan. 15 – Feb. 5) Wednesday night. Over the last 12 games, the Raptors are averaging 120.6 points and shooting .503 (534-1061) from the field, including .395 (171-433) from three point range. Toronto also has a +66 (162-to-228) turnover differential during this stretch and leads the NBA in points per game off turnovers (24.2). The Raptors’ win streak is the longest in Toronto sports history (NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS and CFL). • Serge Ibaka scored a season-high 30 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter, Feb. 5 vs. Indiana. Ibaka has scored in double figures in eight straight games (Jan. 22 – Feb. 5), shooting at least 50 per centfrom the floor in all eight contests. He averaging 19.9 points (second on the team) and shooting .617 (66-for107) from the field during this stretch. Ibaka has now scored 30+ points four times in his career. • Kyle Lowry led all scorers with 32 points and dished out 10 assists for his eighth double-double of season Wednesday night against the Pacers. Lowry has now recorded 30+ points and 10+ assists seven times as a Raptor, second most in franchise history behind only Damon Stoudamire (nine times). • Kyle Lowry needs eight points to tie Vince Carter (9,420) for third place on the Raptors’ all-time scoring list. DeMar DeRozan (13,296) is the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, followed by Chris Bosh (10,275). • 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. • MISCELLANEOUS: Rookie Terence Davis ll is the only Raptor to appear in every game this season …Toronto’s 37-14 record after 51 games is the best in franchise history … The Raptors have shot at least 50 percent from the floor in three straight games (Jan. 31 – Feb. 5), shooting .525 (134-for-255) during this span … Toronto is a perfect 14-0 this season when they shoot .500 from the field.
• Contributed three rebounds and one steal in 28 minutes of action Feb. 5 vs. Indiana. • Toronto is 19-4 this season when Anunoby scores 10 or more points. • Averaging a career-high 10.1 points and shooting a career-best .489 from the field this season.
• Recorded 25 points, a team-high nine rebounds, five assists and three steals in 40 minutes Feb. 5 vs. Indiana. • Ranks 15th in the NBA in scoring (23.7) and 12th in +/- rating (+298). • Has scored 30+ points 12 times; had five 30-point performances in 80 games played last season.
• Scored a season-high 30 points Feb. 5 vs. Indiana; added seven rebounds and three assists in 34 minutes.
• Averaging 18.9 points, 8.9 rebounds and 31.3 minutes in 18 games as a starter this season. • Is the only player in NBA history with 500+ three-point field goals and 1,500+ blocks.
• Finished with a game-high 32 points and 10 assists in 38 minutes Feb. 5 vs. Indiana – his eighth double-double. • Ranked 10th in the NBA in assists per game (7.3); has dished out 10+ assists eight times. • Became the franchise’s all-time leader in assists Jan. 28 vs. Atlanta, passing Jose Calderon (3,770).
• Tallied 10 points, seven assists, three rebounds and three steals in 37 minutes Feb. 5 vs. Indiana.
• Ranks fourth in the NBA in steals per game (2.0); has registered multiple steals in 20 games. • Has totaled 36 assists, compared to just seven turnovers, over the last four games (Jan. 30 – Feb. 5).
INJURY REPORT Marc Gasol (Left hamstring; tightness) – Out Dewan Hernandez (Right ankle; sprain) – Out Norman Powell (Left hand; fourth metacarpal – fracture) – Out
TONIGHT’S GAME DETAILS Opponent: Indiana Pacers Date: Friday, February 7 Tip-Off: 8 p.m. (ET) Venue: Bankers Life Fieldhouse Television: Sportsnet One / ESPN Radio: Sportsnet 590 The FAN
SERIES RECAP VS. INDIANA
OVERALL HOME ROAD 2019-20 1-1 1-0 0-1 ALL-TIME 41-49 28-18 13-31 STREAKS Won 1 Won 12 Lost 2
LAST WIN: February 5, 2020 (119-118)
LAST ROAD WIN: March 15, 2018 (106-99)
LARGEST MARGIN OF VICTORY: +25, March 19, 2017
LARGEST MARGIN OF DEFEAT: -29, April 8, 2009
LAST TIME VS. INDIANA
GAME 51- FEBRUARY 5, 2020 TORONTO 119, INDIANA 118
TORONTO — Serge Ibaka connected for the go-ahead basket, as the Toronto Raptors overcame a 19-point deficit to beat the Indiana Pacers, setting a franchise record with their 12th consecutive victory … Kyle Lowry had 32 points and Ibaka added a season-high 30 … Pascal Siakam had 25 points, while Terence Davis had 11 and Fred VanVleet contributed 10 … Malcolm Brogdon scored 24 points to lead the Pacers, while Domantas Sabonis had 15 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists … The Pacers outscored Toronto by 25 points in the second quarter, and when Brogdon drained a three early in the third, the Pacers went up by 19 points … The Raptors pulled within two points late in the third, and Toronto trailed just 86-82 to start the fourth … Three consecutive Pacers threes had the visitors back up by 10 in the final quarter … Toronto pulled within two, but with 3:50 to play, the Pacers were back up by 11 … A Lowry 3-pointer and a Siakam free throw cut the deficit to four with 1:15 to play … Nine seconds later, Siakam made it a two-point game … Lowry found a wide open Ibaka for the game-winner and then forced an Oladipo miss and Brogdon turnover … The Raptors had won 11 games in a row three times, previously from Feb. 26 to March 16, 2018 and Jan. 6-30, 2016, but this streak has seen several key Toronto players miss games with injuries … The Raptors’ streak is one of the longest in Toronto sports history.
1 2 3 4 TOT
INDIANA 20 43 23 32 118
TORONTO 30 18 34 37 119
NEXT GAME DETAILS Opponent: Brooklyn Nets Date: Saturday, February 8 Tip-Off: 7:30 p.m. (ET) Venue: Scotiabank Arena Television: TSN Radio: TSN 1050 Toronto
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
TORONTO — 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.
FINAL SCORE: TORONTO RAPTORS 119, INDIANA PACERS 118 DATE: FEBRUARY 5, 2020 ATTENDANCE: 19,800 (Sellout) FINAL SCORE RECORD HIGH POINTS HIGH REBOUNDS HIGH ASSISTS Indiana 118 31-20 Brogdon – 24 Sabonis – 11 Sabonis – 10 Toronto 119 37-14 Lowry – 32 Siakam – 9 Lowry – 10
KEY RUN Trailing 118-108 with 2:27 remaining, the Raptors scored the final 11 points of the game for the one point victory … The Pacers committed four turnovers and missed both of their field goal attempts during this stretch. KEY STAT The Raptors outscored Indiana 56-34 in the paint and 31-7 on the fast-break. RAPTORS NOTES: • With the win, Toronto improves to 37-14 this season and 19-7 at home … The Raptors have now won 12 straight games at home against the Pacers … Toronto plays at Indiana on Friday night. • The Raptors have won a franchise record 12 straight games (Jan 15 – Feb. 5) – the longest winning streak in Toronto sports history. • Toronto’s 37-14 after 51 games is the best in franchise history. • The Raptors shot 50 per cent (43-for-86) from the field … Toronto has shot at least .500 from the floor in each of the last three games, shooting .525 (134-255) during this span. • Kyle Lowry led the Raptors with 32 points and 10 assists in 38 minutes of action – his fifth 30-point game of the season … Lowry posted his seventh game with 30+ points and 10+ assists as a Raptor. • Serge Ibaka scored a season-high 30 points in 34 minutes … Ibaka scored 20+ points for the fourth time in the last five games, and 13th time this season. • The Raptors had five players score double figures – Lowry (32), Ibaka (30), Pascal Siakam (25), Terence Davis (11) and Fred VanVleet (10). PACERS NOTES: • With the loss, Indiana falls to 31-20 on the season and 13-13 on the road … The Paces have dropped three in a row (Feb. 1-5) … Indiana hosts the Raptors on Friday night. • Indiana’s reserves outscored Toronto’s bench 55-22. • The Pacers shot .524 (43-for-82) from the floor, including .487 (19-for-39) from 3-point range. • Malcolm Brogdon scored a team-high 24 points, including nine in the first quarter … Brogdon added six rebounds and six assists in 34 minutes … He led the team in scoring for the fifth time. • Domantas Sabonis recorded his third career triple-double with 15 points and game highs of 11 rebounds and 10 assists in 36 minutes. • The Pacers had five players score in double digits – Brogdon (24), Justin Holiday (22), Doug McDermott (19), Sabonis (15) and Victor Oladipo (13) … Holiday’s 22 points were a season high …Oladipo played 25 minutes in his first start of the season.
CLEVELAND (WJW) — Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry claims he was pushed by a fan during Thursday night’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The alleged incident occurred late in the fourth quarter during the game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Video shows Lowry land on two fans in the front row of the stands after saving a loose ball. One fan is then shown placing his hand on the player’s back before he returns to the court. It is unclear […]
GAME #48 – TORONTO RAPTORS (33-14) vs. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (13-35) THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020 – 7 P.M. (ET) – ROCKET MORTGAGE FIELDHOUSE TV: SPORTSET ONE – RADIO: TSN 1050 TORONTO
RAPTORS NOTES • The Toronto Raptors play the first game of a back-to-back set Thursday night when they visit the Cleveland Cavaliers. This is the third and final meeting between the two teams this season, with Toronto taking the first two games – both played at Scotiabank Arena. Kyle Lowry led all scorers with 24 points and recorded eights assists in the Raptors’ 117-97 victory New Year’s Eve. Lowry is averaging 22.0 points and 9.5 assists against the Cavaliers this season. With a win Thursday, the Raptors would sweep the season series with Cleveland for the first time since 2000-01.
• The Raptors have won a season-high eight straight games (Jan. 15-28). Toronto is averaging 122.4 points and shooting .497 (359-722) from the field, including .396 (122-308) from beyond the arc over the last eight games. Pascal Siakam is averaging a team-high 20.6 points during this stretch. The Raptors’ longest winning streak in franchise history is 11 games (2X: Feb. 26 – Mar. 16, 2018 and Jan. 1 – 30, 2016).
• Kyle Lowry needs 84 points to tie Vince Carter (9,420) for third on the Raptors’ all-time points list (top-five on page three). On Tuesday night, Lowry surpassed Jose Calderon (3,770) as Toronto’s all-time leader in assists, finishing the night with 11 assists. Lowry was already the franchise leader in 3-point field goals and steals. The only NBA players who are their current franchise’s all-time leader in assists are Houston’s James Harden and Washington’s John Wall.
• Toronto has won seven straight games on the road (Jan. 4-26) – tied for the second longest streak in team history. The Raptors won a franchise record nine in a row on the road Feb. 11 – Mar. 20, 2018.
• The Raptors continue a stretch on seven consecutive games (Jan. 26 – Feb. 8) vs. Eastern Conference opponents Thursday night. Toronto is 23-7 (.767) against the East this season – the third best winning percentage in the NBA behind Milwaukee (.897) and LA Clippers (.778). Toronto has won nine of their last 10 games against Eastern Conference foes. During this stretch, Toronto is averaging 115.6 points and shooting .466 (417-895) from the field.
• Pascal Siakam was named a starter for the 2020 NBA All-Star Game in Chicago. Siakam becomes the seventh player in franchise history to earn an All-Star selection, joining Chris Bosh (five times), Vince Carter (five times), Kyle Lowry (five times), DeMar DeRozan (four times), Antonio Davis and Kawhi Leonard. Siakam’s selection also extends a streak of six consecutive years that a Raptor has been voted into the starting five – Lowry (2015, 2016), DeRozan (2017, 2018) and Leonard (2019). • With Tuesday’s win vs. Atlanta, the Raptors improved to 10-3 in the month of January. 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).
• All-Star forward Pascal Siakam was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for games played Jan. 20-26. He earned the honour for the third time in his career and the second time this season. Siakam averaged team highs of 23.5 points and 9.0 rebounds in four wins last week.
• Finished with four points, six rebounds and three blocks in 27 minutes Jan. 28 vs. Atlanta. • Toronto is 19-4 this season when Anunoby scores 10 or more points. • Shooting a career-best .490 (193-394) from the field, including .471 (48-102) through 13 games in January.
• Totaled a team high-tying 24 points, nine rebounds and two assists in 27 minutes Jan. 28 vs. Atlanta. • Ranks 15th in the NBA in scoring (23.8); averaging 27.3 points over the last three games (Jan. 24-28). • Has scored 30+ points 11 times; had five 30-point performances in 80 games played last season.
• Scored a team-high trying 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in 27 minutes off the bench Jan. 28 vs. Atlanta. • Averaging 17.6 points, 9.9 rebounds and 31.7 minutes in 14 games as a starter this season. • Has scored in double figures each of the last four games (Jan. 22-28); averaging 16.5 points during this span.
• Recorded his seventh double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 assists Jan. 28 vs. Atlanta. • Tied for eighth in the NBA in assists per game (7.4); averaging 7.2 assists through 13 games in January. • Has scored 20+ points in 19 games this season; scored 20+ points 15 times in 65 games last season.
• Finished with 19 points, three assists and one steal in 29 minutes Jan. 28 vs. Atlanta. • Tied for fourth in the NBA in steals per game (1.97); has registered multiple steals in 18 games. • Averaging 19.8 points and is shooting .535 (23-43) from three-point range over the last six games (Jan. 18-28).
INJURY REPORT Marc Gasol (Left hamstring; tightness) – Out Dewan Hernandez (Right ankle; sprain) – Out Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (Right ankle sprain) – Out Patrick McCaw (Nose; fracture) – Questionable.
CLEVELAND’S LAST GAME STARTERS
POS NO. PLAYER HT. WT. G GS PPG RPG APG FG% MPG
F 16 CEDI OSMAN 6-7 230 19-20: 48 48 11.0 3.4 2.3 .447 29.1
F 0 KEVIN LOVE 6-8 247 19-20: 41 41 17.4 9.9 2.8 .450 31.1
Dylan Windler (Left Lower Leg; Stress Reaction) – OUT
Ante Zizic (Illness) – OUT
2019-20 GAME RECAPS (Raptors Lead Series 2-0)
CAVALIERS 97, RAPTORS 117 – SCOTIABANK ARENA – TORONTO, ON (12/31/19) – REGULAR SEASON GAME #33
KEY PERFORMERS: Collin Sexton recorded a team-high 22 points on 8-15 (.533) shooting from the field and one steal in 32 minutes…Tristan Thompson notched his 17th double-double of the season with 14 points on 5-6 (.833) shooting and a game-high tying 11 rebounds in 32 minutes of work…Kevin Love also registered a double-double, his 14th of the season, with 10 points, a game-high tying 11 rebounds, two assists and two blocks in 30 minutes…Cedi Osman shot 4-8 (.500) from three-point range and finished with 14 points, four rebounds, four assists and one block in 25 minutes…Darius Garland had 12 points, four assists and one steal in 34 minutes…Kevin Porter Jr. added 13 points, four rebounds and four assists in 28 minutes…For Toronto, Kyle Lowry had game highs of 24 points and eight assists in 36 minutes…Serge Ibaka recorded a double-double with 20 points and a team-high 10 rebounds in 33 minutes.
TURNING POINT: The Raptors closed out the second half on a 20-8 run to go up 59-43 and led by double-digits the rest of the way. CAVS HIGHLIGHTS: Six players scored in double figures for Cleveland…The Cavs knocked down 10 three-pointers, shot 13-16 (.812) from the charity stripe and had 19 second chance points. DECEMBER 31, 2019 SCORE HI SCORER HI REBOUND HI ASSISTS FG% FT% REB (O-D-T)
CAVALIERS 113, RAPTORS 133 – SCOTIABANK ARENA – TORONTO, ON (12/16/19) – REGULAR SEASON GAME #27
KEY PERFORMERS: Collin Sexton posted a team-high 25 points on 10-16 (.625) shooting from the field, five rebounds and four assists in 31 minutes…Darius Garland finished with 20 points on 7-14 (.500) shooting, including 4-8 (.500) from long range, two rebounds, a team-high tying five assists and two steals in 38 minutes…Tristan Thompson tallied 18 points on 9-14 (.643) shooting, a teamhigh eight rebounds and three assists in 32 minutes…Cedi Osman shot 3-6 (.500) from deep and finished with 12 points, two rebounds and one steal in 25 minutes…For Toronto, Pascal Siakam had a game-high 33 points on 13-24 (.542) shooting, including 5-8 (.625) from three-point range, in 36 minutes…Normal Powell tallied 26 points on 11-15 (.733) shooting, including 4-6 (.667) from beyond the arc, six rebounds and five assists in 36 minutes…Kyle Lowry recorded a double-double with 20 points and a game-high 11 assists in 37 minutes.
TURNING POINT: With Toronto leading 16-11 midway through the first quarter, the Raptors increased their lead 35-17 after a 19-6 run and led by seven points or more the rest of the way. CAVS HIGHLIGHTS: The Cavs handed out 30 assists to 11 turnovers and scored 56 points in the paint…Cleveland also knocked down 12 three-pointers.
DECEMBER 16, 2019 SCORE HI SCORER HI REBOUND HI ASSISTS FG% FT% REB (O-D-T)
The view from left field 