Quick Reaction: Raptors 106, Hawks 100

Had to check out less than 5 minutes into the game because of two early fouls. Tough whistle, also picked up a tech. Had some nice finishes on contact drives, using his strength to convert on Clint Capela and John Collins. Sparked a Raptors run in the third quarter both by scoring and finding Trent for a corner three to settle things down. Got the roll on a timely shot in the fourth quarter, followed up with a timely block on DeAndre Hunter. Continues to display elite defence. Tough spin shot through contact again over Okongwu to put the Raptors up four. Would have liked to see him ice the game with those free throws, but that was the only blemish. Went to the line again seconds later and got it right.

Sweet hesitation move and elbow jumper from OG that got Capela off his feet in the second quarter. Was a menace defensively in the third, including a steal and power move for a dunk the other way. Massive three by OG when the Raptors were hanging on to a 93-92 lead. Did it again when it was 101-100. Just timely plays.

Scottie didn’t have many opportunities to create for himself or teammates but had two nice blocks on Hunter and Capela in the third quarter. Swatted Kevin Huerter too when he tried to drive by him.

Fred’s still trying to work through an overall shooting slump, he hasn’t shot 50 percent in his last 9 games. Started 1-7 in this one, but got the shooters bounce on a three which got him going a bit. Did a really good job feeding Trent for open looks to get him on fire. Percentages don’t seem to matter in the fourth because he took over Trent’s role with a couple of key treys when Gary took a seat. He’s now made 3 threes in 17 straight games, seven away from tying Steph Curry for an NBA record. Fred took a couple of tough shots down the stretch but what a play to find OG in the corner when help came. Defining decision of the game.

Headband Gary, I’m telling you (he’s worn it the last 5 games). Started out hot, picking up from his last three games where he averaged 32.3 ppg. Cooled off as the first half went on. Nice job jumping a pass from Huerter near the end of the half, but I didn’t like the midrange pullup afterwards. Could have ran out the clock for last possession. Found the touch again in the third, thanks to clean looks courtesy of Pascal and Fred, and then made a ridiculous buzzer beater. Five threes in the third alone (outscored ATL by himself 17-15). He’s the definition of a microwave. Masterclass defensive possession vs Bogdanovic in a two point game, forcing a tough shot. MASSIVE three with about 90 seconds left under duress, making up for what I thought was an errant double attempt on Collins that led to a three the possession before. That’s four straight 30-point games now for Gary. Congrats on a new career-high in threes made (9). He’s only the fifth Raptor to do that.

My favourite play from Boucher in the first half was his hustle on the offensive glass to tip the ball to Fred for three. Did a great job using his length defensively. He took only one shot all game (a missed three), but had a solid impact regardless. The little things.

Good decision making from Precious in his first stint. Good entry pass to Barnes in position for a layup. Also threw down an alley-oop and made an open three.

Champagnie checks in, Champagnie offensive rebound and layup. Very on brand for his three minute first half stint.

Was active on defence, got a couple of steals in the first half. Should have had a spectacular assist on a lob, but Anunoby missed it.

Mindful of the record setting minutes by his starters in Miami, Nurse made sure his team rested as much as possible before this one, then went nine deep in the first half (Banton and Champagnie didn’t see the court in the second half). Gotta give Nurse credit for how the Raps have been coming out in third quarters too.