 | Luis Scola, PF 23 MIN | 4-9 FG | 1-3 3FG | 1-2 FT | 1 REB | 2 AST | 2 STL | 0 BLK | 3 TO | 10 PTS | -9 +/-Kobe really needs to give up the ‘Vino’ moniker to Scola who embodies that name just as Bryant symbolizes the Black Mamba. There are nights he has kept the Raptors in games early and others where he disappears versus squads with multiple athletic bigs. Tonight he stayed more along the middle of the road. |  |
 | James Johnson, PF 21 MIN | 4-5 FG | 1-1 3FG | 2-2 FT | 7 REB | 0 AST | 2 STL | 0 BLK | 0 TO | 11 PTS | +4 +/-Don’t tell me Johnson didn’t see Drummond’s All-Star promo video showcasing AD delivering an elbow on him (never mind the dunk that precipitated why he delivered the cheap shot). The past few games he ‘s been absent on offense, but tonight he was active from the opening tip, He wasn’t as aggressive in the second half, but overall it was a positive effort. |  |
 | Jonas Valanciunas, C 27 MIN | 2-4 FG | 0-0 3FG | 4-8 FT | 9 REB | 0 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK | 2 TO | 8 PTS | -10 +/-Started the game with energy and it appeared he was ready to post some big numbers. Then he got saddled with a quick second foul (that belonged to Johnson) which forced his early exit. By the time he returned his teammates were in a groove and he wasn’t getting touches. Notably he continues to show growth in the post in terms of his decision making, passing it back out and committing fewer turnovers. So, while his stats might not jump off the page I felt his performance was above average tonight (especially since Drummond was basically held in check though he did register a double-double) | |
 | Kyle Lowry, PG 40 MIN | 4-15 FG | 1-5 3FG | 9-12 FT | 8 REB | 0 AST | 3 STL | 0 BLK | 2 TO | 18 PTS | -5 +/-The wrist must be a minor issue as Lowry was content to focus solely on defense taking only 4 shots in the first half. As the Pistons continued to battle he inserted himself more on both ends and did a great job of getting to the line. Interestingly he came close to registering a double-double but had no assists. Was it his best effort? No, but he’s playing with a sore wrist and still manages to be “that guy” who stops the opponents run or sparks increased defensive intensity. Note to Casey: let him sit a game or two and get a little rest. | |
 | DeMar DeRozan, SG 34 MIN | 10-21 FG | 0-1 3FG | 9-10 FT | 3 REB | 4 AST | 2 STL | 0 BLK | 4 TO | 29 PTS | -6 +/-His added muscle was meant for games like this. A number of times we witnessed him maintain his position or power through contact. Hit a circus hail Mary shot to end a 4.5 minute scoring drought. His passing and decision making out of double teams is much improved. And while I felt he wasn’t as strong as he’s been through the winning streak how can 29 points, 3 rebounds and a tie for team high assists not merit an A? |  |
 | Patrick Patterson, PF 25 MIN | 1-3 FG | 0-1 3FG | 0-0 FT | 2 REB | 2 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK | 1 TO | 2 PTS | +15 +/-Given his recent production combined with how little Stan Van Gundy trusts his bench I expected him to have a big night. While that wasn’t the case he also only got 3 shot attempts. Is that on Pat Man or the team for not getting him the ball? |  |
 | Terrence Ross, SF 22 MIN | 2-4 FG | 1-3 3FG | 0-0 FT | 0 REB | 0 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK | 0 TO | 5 PTS | +8 +/-Like Patterson I expected Ross to have a huge night, but I forgot he was on the court. Also like Pat he had very few shot attempts and hit 50% of them (2-4). |  |
 | Bismack Biyombo, C 21 MIN | 3-6 FG | 0-0 3FG | 6-8 FT | 13 REB | 0 AST | 0 STL | 3 BLK | 0 TO | 12 PTS | +14 +/-Notched another double-double and filled in admirably when JV got in foul trouble early. Made some big hustle plays which are becoming part and parcel of what he brings on a game by game basis. Through the 7-game home stand the tandem of Biyombo and JV offered versatility patrolling the paint (not to mention they both demonstrated offensive improvements). | |
 | Cory Joseph, PG 28 MIN | 6-11 FG | 0-0 3FG | 4-5 FT | 2 REB | 4 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK | 1 TO | 16 PTS | +9 +/-Was the X factor the entire evening, scoring, passing, defending and exposing Reggie Jackson or Brandon Jennings whenever he was on the hardwood. His entry into the game in the first half spearheaded the run resulting in a double digit margin. Again in the second half his arrival came as the Pistons were threatening to take the lead. Instead he spearheaded the attack which generated an 18 point lead. When Cory Jo brings this type of energy and focus off the bench along with his patented defense the Raptors are difficult to stop. | |
 | Lucas Nogueira, C DNP COACH’S DECISION MIN | FG | 3FG | FT | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PTS | +/- |  |
 | Dwane Casey He’s kept this team focused on winning so hard to fault him, but I did feel his rotations were a little slow especially late in the game (or his message to buckle down versus the scrappy Pistons). And, it does feel like if he trusted his reserves a bit more Lowry and DeRozan could gain a few extra minutes of relief. That said, how do you fault his coaching when he’s taken the Raps to previously unparalleled heights? The other factor at play is there is a reason all teams don’t go on double digit winning streaks. It’s hard to match the opposition’s effort and energy every night from a physical and mental perspective. That factor also gives the Warriors run and Spurs annual win streaks even more of a wow factor. Hey eventually the Raptors are going to lose, but for now let’s celebrate the fact it wasn’t tonight. | |
Four Things We Saw
- Unlike many squads in the Association the Pistons don’t concede games. Despite playing the Cavaliers Friday they continued to battle (all except possibly Drummond who seemed fatigued and disinterested). With the loss the Pistons are now 3-7 on the second night of their back to back series
- Drake joined Matt and Leo during the third quarter in his role of super fan, Raptors Global Ambassador, and cheer leader for the upcoming All-Star break. He called a few whistles by official 43 (Kent Mauer) questionable and referred to how much he looks like Christopher Walken. To that end… see the picture below and you decide.
- As per Matt Devlin with the win the Raptors matched their 2014-15 win total versus teams above .500. In fact only the Raptors, Warriors, Spurs and Bulls have winning records vs both the top 10 and top 16 teams. (the Bulls joined this group with 2 wins this week)
- The cuteness factor was on display as Lowry and DeRozan brought out their son and daughter (Carter and Diar) to receive their All-Star jerseys at center court. Well deserved gentlemen, well deserved!
Christopher Walken. Knitting. #Movies pic.twitter.com/x9oLnCJBmt
— Pundit Planet (@punditfap) January 5, 2016
