Toronto Raptors Continuing To Crack Despite Jonas Valanciunas’ Emergence
Isaiah J. Downing-USA Today Sports
Every time the Toronto Raptors have won a big game without DeMar DeRozan, a new face seems steps into the forefront with a remarkable individual performance to get them over the hump.
This time, it was Lithuanian center Jonas Valanciunas’ time to shine, and he delivered. The big man scored a career-high 31 points and grabbed 12 rebounds as Toronto played its 21st consecutive game without DeRozan. But despite Big Science and his brilliance, it wasn’t to be for the slumping Raptors dropped a 114-111 decision to the red-hot Detroit Pistons.
Despite Valanciunas’ efforts on Monday, he alone couldn’t hide the gaping cracks that have started to show without DeRozan as Toronto has now dropped five of its past six games. The Raptors are taking a conservative approach to DeRozan’s return from a groin injury and won’t rush him back on the floor. Toronto recently hinted that DeRozan may make his return to the lineup in Friday’s game against the Eastern Conference-leading Atlanta Hawks, but its not a lock yet.
It was still a moral victory for Valanciunas, who dominated his Piston’s opponent Andre Drummond (10 points, 14 rebounds). Recently dubbed “Big Science” by the Raptors’ team hip-hop mascot and ‘global ambassador’ Drake, Valanciunas used his mobility and ran roughshod over Drummond and the Pistons’ front line.
The 7-foot, 255-pound standout was selected fifth overall by Toronto in the 2011 draft and is averaging 8.5 RPG and 1.0 BLKPG. His numbers make Monday’s outing all the more amazing because he was facing the NBA’s second-ranked rebounder (13 RPG) and eighth-ranked shot blocker (2.32 BLKPG) in Drummond, who he completely shut down.
Valanciunas’ relative athleticism is remarkable and was exhibited several times against the Pistons when he glided past Drummond for dunks and easy layups. He would be a perfect fit for any team in the market for a big man with a competent presence under the basket, but is also a player with above-average mobility and skills. However, it is doubtful that Toronto would part with Valanciunas considering he has been such a key ingredient in their overall success this season.
Peter Mallett is a blogger for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @RedCardTheRef1 like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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