 | L. Scola 21 MIN | 5-10 FG | 2-4 3FG | 0-2 FT | 4 REB | 1 AST | 0 STL | 1 BLK | 1 TO | 12 PTS | — +/-The days off helped Scola who looked fresh despite taking two hard falls on court early. The wily vet made some spin moves that embarrassed his defenders. I couldn’t help thinking how Scola’s experience and knowledge has helped the young Raptors front court. He still suffers on the defensive end, but his playoff experience will be valuable come the weekend. As per the grade: offensively he was great, but he was only starter with a negative plus/minus. |  |
 | J. Valanciunas 17 MIN | 8-16 FG | 0-0 3FG | 1-1 FT | 11 REB | 0 AST | 0 STL | 1 BLK | 1 TO | 17 PTS | — +/-Perfect game for JV to fine tune and build confidence in preparation for the post season. His work in the paint vs. the young Sixers was telling. For all the times JV has had to deal with the likes of ZBo, Dwight Howard, Marc Gasol etc. this was an occasion where his experience was obvious. Maybe I’m being hasty, but it seems like the proverbial light (player reaches the point that the game slows down for him) has switched on for the young Lithuanian. |  |
 | K. Lowry 26 MIN | 4-13 FG | 3-8 3FG | 0-0 FT | 4 REB | 4 AST | 2 STL | 0 BLK | 2 TO | 11 PTS | — +/-Worked on feeding JV in the PNR and that chemistry seems to be improving at the perfect time. Let’s face it Lowry only plays one way, and perhaps if this hadn’t been Philly he wouldn’t have been so adamant about remaining in the game. At the time of this discussion with Casey the Raptors were trailing by 8. By the time the quarter ended the Raptors had gone on a 32 to 13 run. Sure his shot wasn’t falling (esp early), but his leadership is undeniable. The Raptors could have thrown this one away, but Lowry refused to let them. . |  |
 | D. DeRozan 22 MIN | 4-10 FG | 0-1 3FG | 2-2 FT | 7 REB | 6 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK | 3 TO | 10 PTS | — +/-He appeared to be going through the motions, especially early. I can’t fault him for that because we want him healthy for the post season. Recalling last season it was a game in the final week against Boston that he appeared to tweak (reinjure?) his groin. At the point Lowry convinced Casey to let him stay on the floor DeRozan followed Lowry’s lead and posted most of his rebounds (7) and assists (6) to finish the quarter and build a 13 point lead. |  |
 | N. Powell 38 MIN | 6-10 FG | 2-4 3FG | 4-4 FT | 4 REB | 1 AST | 3 STL | 0 BLK | 2 TO | 18 PTS | — +/-Twisted his ankle in the first half, but like the soldier he is he played through it. His shot was falling early after an off game in New York. He made an uncharacteristic mistake in the 4Q tossing up an ill advised pass. Immediately after Casey spoke to him he returned, locked down on defense and scored another 3. Can’t express how much I LOVE this kid’s game. |  |
 | J. Thompson 14 MIN | 0-2 FG | 0-1 3FG | 3-4 FT | 4 REB | 1 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK | 1 TO | 3 PTS | — +/-Jason Thompson has fit in seamlessly with the team in his short tenure in Toronto. Case in point he leads the team for on/off court point differential as the Raptors score 10.1 additional points when he is on the floor. | |
 | T. Ross 27 MIN | 7-10 FG | 1-2 3FG | 2-2 FT | 2 REB | 4 AST | 2 STL | 0 BLK | 0 TO | 17 PTS | — +/-His shot looks smooth as silk, and I like that he’s improved his offensive versatility mixing in the drives and pull up chippies. FOUR assists and 2 steals were a bonus. |  |
 | D. Carroll 21 MIN | 3-7 FG | 2-5 3FG | 0-0 FT | 6 REB | 2 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK | 1 TO | 8 PTS | — +/-More minutes to clear the cobwebs and shake the rust off. Has hit a 3 in each of his 3 games back. His production during the 32-12 run on both ends demonstrates how much more versatile the team is with him in the line-up. His grade might seem a tad high, but it’s based on what he added during that 3Q run. Was a +30.. read that again – – Carroll was a PLUS 30! Welcome back DeMarre. (see point 4 below) | |
 | L. Nogueira 9 MIN | 2-2 FG | 0-0 3FG | 0-0 FT | 1 REB | 1 AST | 1 STL | 1 BLK | 0 TO | 4 PTS | — +/-Wasn’t one of his better efforts and seemed annoyed by the whistle he was/wasn’t getting. He should get ample run tomorrow to showcase a better effort. I bumped his score up a grade for running the floor and getting 2 dunks at game end. |  |
 | B. Biyombo 22 MIN | 6-8 FG | 0-0 3FG | 2-2 FT | 7 REB | 0 AST | 0 STL | 1 BLK | 0 TO | 14 PTS | — +/-The development coaches deserve kudos for the work they’ve put in with Bismack Biyombo who has grown offensively this season. Sure, he still showcases those cement hands at times, but his improvement is undeniable. If he gives us anything close to this in the playoffs (10 points 4 rebounds by the half) it’s all gravy. | |
 | D. Wright 22 MIN | 3-7 FG | 0-0 3FG | 2-2 FT | 2 REB | 5 AST | 1 STL | 1 BLK | 2 TO | 8 PTS | — +/-Reminds us he’s a rookie at times, but what’s not to like about 5 assists mixed in with 8 points, 2 rebounds, a steal and a block? The future is bright. | |
 | P. Patterson DNP-COACH’S DECISION MIN | FG | 3FG | FT | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PTS | +/-Got a much deserved rest! |  |
 | C. Joseph DNP-COACH’S DECISION MIN | FG | 3FG | FT | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PTS | +/-See above.. ditto! | |
 | Dwane CaseyHad a little discussion with Lowry after he did the splits about taking him out. Ever the competitor Kyle wanted to stay in the game – after all he can’t stand losing to his home town Philly team. Lowry won the debate and promptly led the team to erase the 8 point deficit. It’s hard to fault Casey for the team not being amped up to compete like they would if it was the Cavs or Hawks. Suffice to say he’s coached this team to 5 straight seasons of improvement which afforded the Raptors the opportunity to rest players and focus on tweaking areas of their strategy down the stretch. When’s the last time (if ever) we’ve been able to say that. | |
Five Things We Saw
- Let’s be honest, this wasn’t a typical effort of the Raptors who treated this game like a glorified practice session. That said, the fact Toronto got the win and exited the game without any major injuries is the most important takeaway. Hopefully the final game of the season will be a young Raptors showcase with tons of playing time for Bebe, Bruno, Norman and Delon.
- The game plan for the Sixers was obvious – – shoot the three repeatedly and it paid dividends as they lit up the Raptors (11 of 20 in first half). By the second half Casey obviously adjusted to refocus the perimeter defense. (4 of 15).
- Nik Staukas had two awesome dunks showcasing his offensive versatility. Nice to see the Canadian’s game growing. Likewise, around the league the contributions of Trey Lyles, Dwight Powell and of course Andrew Wiggins has me excited for the future of the National team.
- The 7 and 8 seeds are set in stone with Indy defeating the Knicks and Miami taking down the Pistons. Therefore the Raptors first round opponent will be the Pacers. Carroll’s return came at the perfect time as he gave Paul George fits in the game he defended him.
- Though I don’t watch the Sixers often, in the games I’ve seen Robert Covington has been the best Philly player on the court. Really like his game and compete level. Surrounded by the right vets there is reason to believe he could grow into a consistent contributor.
