The Raptors beat Philadelphia 100-84 in Demar Derozan’s first game back from a 21-game absence due to a groin injury. The game was a largely forgettable affair but it was nice to see Derozan back in action. Here’s a quick breakdown of how things went down:
1st Quarter: Raptors 34 – 76ers 19
The Raptors jumped out to an early 13-0 lead on 6-of-7 shooting. Derozan connected on a tough turn around jumpshot to get the ball rolling and finished with 6 points on 3-of-4 shooting in the quarter. The Raps pretty much owned this quarter, shooting 63.6 % from the field and connecting on 8 assists while holding the Sixers to only 19 points.
2nd Quarter: Sixers 27 – Raptors 16
This was an ugly quarter for the Raptors, who were way too relaxed after building an early 15-point lead. Instead of settling for outside jumpers, like they did in the first quarter (1-5 three-point shooting), the Sixers came out attacking the rim. They scored 18 of their 27 points in the paint for the quarter on 9-of-12 shooting. The Sixers guards took advantage of the Raptors slow-footed 2nd unit to start the quarter and our starting squad failed to provide much additional energy in relief. Nerlens Noel used his superior length against Tyler Hansbrough, scoring 8 points on 4-of-5 shooting. The lackadaisical Raptors settled for a number of long jump shots and turned the ball over five times in the quarter. They went into halftime up 50-46.
3rd Quarter: Raptors 21 – Sixers 15
Aside from a three to start the half, this was generally a pretty ugly quarter. The Sixers got away from attacking the rim (partially bad shot selection, partially improved defense from Toronto) and as such shot only 27.3 percent for the quarter. The Raptors faired only slightly better, shooting 8-of-22. Derozan hit a couple of timely jumpshots to keep things a float, but generally this was quarter was nothing to write home about.
4th Quarter: Raptors 29 – Sixers 23
Things continued to slog along until about midway through the 4th when Toronto started moving the ball and looking like the Raptors of old. Kyle Lowry was excellent, connecting on a couple of big threes and dishing out four assists in the quarter. Derozan got to the rim at will, going 4-of-5 for eight points in the quarter. Remarkably, all ten of their made field goals in the quarter were assisted.
Final Thoughts
- It wasn’t pretty, but it was a win.
- The Sixers lack shooting and skill players but they sure are long and athletic. Carter-Williams vacillates between moments of brillance and moments of being wildly out of control. He was 1-7 in the 3rd, often driving against two or more Toronto defenders.
- The Raptors came into the game averaging 17 turnovers a game over their last 5 and last night they turned the ball over 17 times, once again. They wasted a lot of possessions going for the homerun ball instead of making the easy pass. They’ll need to be much more focused against Atlanta
- I’m not going to over think this game. It was mostly ugly and sluggish but I liked the passing in the first and fourth quarters and it was great to see Derozan back in action. His rhythm and touch both look good.
- I maybe would have considered resting Lowry for this one, if I was Dwane Casey.
- Good to see the Raptors hold the Sixers to 84 points, even if some of the Sixers offensive woes were self inflicted.
