Quick Reaction: Raptors 103, Hawks 108

The Raptors lose a battle of shorthanded teams. Time is running out, and they are now in position for the 6th best odds in the lottery.

ATL Hawks

108

Final
Box Score

103

TOR Raptors

C. Boucher23 MIN, 4 PTS, 3 REB, 3 AST, 0 STL, 1-3 FG, 0-2 3FG, 2-2 FT, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 3 +/-

Capela’s a tough guard for the Slim Duck. He was pretty invisible most of the night and didn’t finish the game very well, with an airball as the Raptors were down 7 with under a minute to go. A very quiet night for him after a collection of some very good games against New York and Chicago.

B+

P. Siakam40 MIN, 30 PTS, 6 REB, 7 AST, 0 STL, 13-19 FG, 1-5 3FG, 3-4 FT, 2 BLK, 5 TO, 4 +/-

Clearly bouncing back from his not-so-great performance against the Knicks, he was a little bit more in rhythm on offence tonight, even hitting some shots off the dribble. Had a bit of a wonky miss with about 30 seconds left in the 2nd, but that was clearly a two for one opportunity. Redeemed himself shortly after with a fader on Capela to give himself 21 points at the end of the half. A lot of turnovers and questionable decision making definitely hurt his grade tonight. Rough missed shot with 8 seconds left to go.

O. Anunoby35 MIN, 15 PTS, 6 REB, 0 AST, 1 STL, 7-12 FG, 1-5 3FG, 0-0 FT, 0 BLK, 3 TO, -4 +/-

He’s been working on his drives and it shows. He went at and successfully beat Capela a few times, and that’s only going to mean good things for his offensive game. Was ridiculously tough in the post and just tossed Knight aside like a ragdoll with about 2 minutes left in the 3rd. Efficient outing with some decent defence tonight.

G. Trent35 MIN, 7 PTS, 4 REB, 2 AST, 2 STL, 3-15 FG, 0-7 3FG, 1-2 FT, 0 BLK, 1 TO, -2 +/-

Came out firing but cooled off. His first quarter behind the back step-back jumper followed by a steal was a silky display early on. 3/15 from the field isn’t good. He’s notorious for having these hot and cold stretches, so we’ll see if this continues or if he can bounce back for another career night against the Spurs.

B+

M. Flynn35 MIN, 22 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST, 2 STL, 8-18 FG, 6-13 3FG, 0-0 FT, 0 BLK, 0 TO, -4 +/-

Had a very rough start but a strong finish. Was shooting under 40% from the field and under 30% from 3 going into the 4th. Questionable set of possessions in the middle of the first quarter, blowing a layup, getting the ball back for a bricked three with lots of time left on the shot clock. Combo of missed shots including an airball in the second. Had a three and a lob to OG in the third. Overall his offensive performance wasn’t very good until he decided to start splashing real late. Wasn’t enough though. On to the next one.

K. Birch25 MIN, 13 PTS, 7 REB, 0 AST, 2 STL, 5-6 FG, 1-2 3FG, 2-3 FT, 1 BLK, 2 TO, -8 +/-

A nice steal and breakaway attempt at the end of the first. He was energetic on the glass. Having a big man that can run and also catch the basketball on occasion is a refreshing experience. Even hit a three in the second quarter, that was fun. He continued his hot play in the second half too with more defensive energy and efficient scoring. My mom told me she thinks he looks like someone’s dad.

R. Hood17 MIN, 8 PTS, 6 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 3-10 FG, 1-4 3FG, 1-2 FT, 0 BLK, 1 TO, -6 +/-

In the words of the late DMX: “Where the Hood, where the Hood, where the Hood at?”. Don’t get me wrong; Hood has been solid, especially during a year where the Raptors’ bench has been practically nonexistent, but his performance tonight wasn’t very inspiring.

Y. Watanabe15 MIN, 0 PTS, 4 REB, 1 AST, 0 STL, 0-2 FG, 0-1 3FG, 0-0 FT, 0 BLK, 0 TO, -7 +/-

Got some cardio in. Solid on the boards with some decent defensive energy.

C-

F. Gillespie11 MIN, 4 PTS, 1 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 2-3 FG, 0-0 3FG, 0-0 FT, 1 BLK, 0 TO, -1 +/-

Loving his hustle so far. Was a little slow reacting to some defensive rotations, especially when it required him to stretch out to the perimeter, but his overall energy makes him a refreshing presence off the bench. He and Birch work well together down low and cause a lot of havoc. He needs some work though. He’s only a third string big.

Nick Nurse

While his criticism of Pascal’s efficiency is warranted, it is odd how Pascal seems to be the only one on the team who draws that critique in particular. Especially when there are other players who need to be called out for efficiency problems as well. No real complaints about his rotation since he’s basically playing who’s healthy.