Joe Johnson simply owns the Raptors. There’s something about playing Toronto that brings out the best in the 15th year pro. But last night, in spite of another great Johnson performance, felt much different than the 2014 NBA playoffs against the veteran Brooklyn Nets squad featuring Joe Johnson. In that series, JJ shredded the Raps defense, and simply couldn’t be stopped by DeMar DeRozan, who lacked the strength and physicality to match up against Johnson. Johnson could get to his spots easily, and was draining floaters, nailing threes, and getting to the line.
And last night at the ACC, Raptor fans were reminded of the fact that some things never change. Joe Johnson once again had a big night going 11/21 for 28 points. But somehow, it felt as though DeMar and the Raptors “contained” Johnson this time around. Defensive duties were split by DeRozan and James Johnson, both of whom ensured Joe Johnson was met with physicality and tenacity on the defensive end. DeRozan also made sure of the fact that Joe Johnson and Justise Winslow would both have to work hard defensively when guarding him. DeMar was simply sensational, and flirted with a near dominant triple-double, going 13/26 for 38 points, to go along with 10 rebounds and 7 assists. For Raptor fans, this was a stark reminder as to how far DeRozan (and to some extent, this franchise) has come since that playoff series against the Nets in 2014. These days, it seems, they end up getting the job done.
DeRozan’s performance last night adds another big backcourt performance to the growing list of such performances this season for the Raptors, as the backcourt consisting of Lowry and DeRozan almost always combine for 35+ (or usually 40+) points on a nightly basis. And when one struggles, the other steps up. 2 weeks ago, it was Kyle Lowry against the Cleveland Cavaliers, and last night it was DeMar against the Heat. Keeping these two Raptors healthy and primed for the playoffs, will be the only way this team can book a ticket to the second round, something this franchise hasn’t done in 15 years.
The Raps outscored the Heat in all quarters, except the third, but the two teams exchanged leads often. The Raptors couldn’t seem to put Miami away, who responded to every Raptors run with a timely run of their own. And in the fourth quarter, thanks to defense, late free-throw shooting, and a huge three-pointer by Luol Deng to tie the game in regulation, the Heat had a real shot to win this game.
At the end of the day though, the overtime period proved to be a bit much for Miami, who were playing on a back-to-back after a blowout win in Chicago the previous night. The Heat were without the services of Dwyane Wade, who joined Chris Bosh and Tyler Johnson on the list of inactive players. Wade, who played 31 minutes against Chicago, likely could have gone if this were a more important or playoff game, but he was given the night off to rest a sore thigh. The Raps outscored Miami 15-7 in the 5-minute extra frame, thanks to clutch shots and free throws from DeRozan, who just could not be stopped.
Notables of the Night
– Team Resiliency: It was nice to the Raps bounce back after the dagger 3 from Deng to tie the game in the dying seconds of regulation. Joe Johnson drove hard to the basket, and kicked it out to an open Deng, who calmly drilled the tying 3 to knot the score at 97. For the Raptors of 2 or 3 years ago, the overtime session would’ve likely led to a loss, but this time around the Raptors regrouped, held the Heat to 3/12 shooting in OT, and executed on key offensive possessions late in the game. Sealing crunch time victories is a good sign for the playoffs.
– Defense: Miami was held to just 37.8% from the field, and the Raptors also held Miami to under 100 points in regulation (a stat that pretty much guarantees a Raptors win). Though the Raptors were outrebounded by the Heat, who were led by Whiteside’s 11 boards, the on-the-ball defense, and close-outs on the perimeter were solid. Allowing 28 from Joe Johnson was understandable, given the defense played on him and the way he’s currently playing. In 8 games with the Heat thus far this season, Johnson has been shooting a blistering 57% from the field, and 63% from 3.
– Big Game JV: Valanciunas was huge for the Raptors against the Heat dropping 20 points on 7/11 from the field, to go with 10 boards. Whiteside, though active, was still “contained” by JV, as his 13 points and 11 rebounds still led to a -9 rating for the Heat meaning JV was holding his own. It was the 16th double-double for the season for JV, who seems to have finally established a level of consistency on the glass and in his offensive game since returning on December 28th, from a broken metacarpal that kept him out for nearly 5 weeks.
– James Johnson: Not that his numbers stood out on the stat sheet, but James Johnson played a solid game. He was efficient, decisive on offense, and continued to attack the basket. James Johnson knows he can get to the rim at will, and in typical JJ fashion, the few times he got the ball on the baseline or in the elbow area, he abused Joe Johnson off the dribble and got to the rack. James was 5/7 from the field – in the absence of DeMarre Carroll, taking smart shots, playing active defense, and grabbing rebounds will basically determine on most nights if JJ gets extended minutes.
Lookahead
The Raptors will host the Chicago Bulls on Monday night at the ACC, to wrap up this 7-game homestand, the second of the season thus far. After going 7-0 in the first one, the Raptors will aim to go 6-1 this time around. Their upcoming game however, will likely be the hardest contest of the 7-game stretch, as the Raps are 0-3 against the Bulls this season. Those games consistent of 2 losses in the Windy City and a heartbreaking loss in early January, when Jimmy Butler single-handedly robbed the Raptors of a victory. The Bulls, however, are injured (Rose/Butler/Noah), struggling mightily, and are the at the lowest point of their season, currently in the 9th spot in the east. Sure enough, that doesn’t mean this one will be easy. Tip time on Monday is 7:30 pm.
