Reaction: Raptors 93, Mavericks 85

He’s back! The energy! The excellent positioning and rotations on defense! The pick and rolls with Vasquez and Lowry! He even hit a three pointer in crunch time! Can you tell I’m excited yet:?

Classic tale for Ross. Shot wasn’t falling, which means he had little else to offer on offense. Casey trusted him to be his designated stopper, matching him on Monta in the first half and Calderon in the second, and he didn’t disappoint. This will be a key development in his game — he’s got to find a way to contribute when the shot isn’t falling, and tonight, he did that.

How you like me now, Hayes? Casey rolled the dice and put Valanciunas in to close the game and the Baltic Giant didn’t disappoint. He controlled the glass down the stretch and was a reliable option in the post. It’s a work in progress, but it’s going to come eventually.

I was really surprised when I pulled up his boxscore midway through the game to see that he was scoreless. Turns out he had the flu and was sick all day, but in classic Lowry fashion, he found other ways to contribute. Contesting rebounds, moving the ball, drawing charges, grabbing steals, and bullying his way to the free throw line. He’s the heart and soul of this team.

Move aside Durant, there’s a new sheriff in town. Okay, not really, but Demar had it going all night long. He was money from midrange (take that, stupid writer who penned this piece) and he beat his previous career high of 37. Could have had more if he sunk those two FT with the game out of reach, but dude was gassed. Honestly, Phelps should say that “We out here like Demar Derozan” tonight.

Moved his feet on defense, collected rebounds and hit the occasional jumper. Had a nice little play where he stepped out and gave Demar an outlet which resulted in an open jumper for 2Pat.

Outplayed Jonas through the first few quarters, especially on the defensive end, but the young buck stepped up so Hayes stepped off. There’s no shame in that. Solid effort as always. Sets some pretty mean screens for Vasquez. They’ve got some good chemistry.

Let’s not kill the vibe. He’s probably still suffering from the lingering effects of his back injury. Looked really rigid in the first. Got better as the game went along, but the two-PG lineup of Vasquez and Lowry, combined with Derozan’s scoring thankfully sent Salmons to the bench.

Here’s my second crack at a nickname for Vasquez: Gravy, because everything he gives you feels that way, no? I mean, I know this is Toronto and this is where the gravy train stops and everything, but I think it’s an apt nickname, especially with the gravy muncher on his way out of town. Anywho, Gravy was hot tonight and aside from his usual heat-check here and there, he was great.

Boom! He plays JV in crunch time? Check. He goes with his best line-up in Vasquez-Lowry-Derozan-Amir-Jonas down the stretch? Check. He makes adjustments and uses Ross’ quickness and athleticism to hinder the Mavs’ best perimeter players? Check. Kept Derozan fresh for the fourth quarter? Check. Four check gets you an A. Well done, sir!