Raptors Post Game Report Card: Toronto’s Strong Effort Comes Up Short Against Orlando Magic
Chalk up another successful game for the Andrea Bargnani-less Raptors. The Raps hung around the entire game against the Orlando Magic, but ended up falling short 92-88 after two clutch back to back plays from JJ Redick. However, hanging in the game against a team like Orlando is a sign of encouragement for a team that has been, at times, depressing to watch.
A few mistakes and key rebounds down the stretch costed the Raptors the upset bid in this one.
Andrea Bargnani has a chance of playing Wednesday night, and this extremely positive news for the Raptors. Amir Johnson was also a late scratch and figures to be a game time decision Wednesday.
Let’s get to the report card:
Offence- B
Positives
DeMar DeRozan continued his phenomenal play, pacing the Raptors with 23 points. Jerryd Bayless was also solid off the bench, chipping in 15 points.
Negatives
Down the stretch, nobody was able to make a play. The Raptors actually led in the fourth quarter but couldn’t hold on. As a team, they shot a sub par 40%.
Defence- B+
Positives
The Raptors held the Magic to 32% shooting from deep. This is very solid for a team that thrives from the three-point line.
Negatives
Dwight Howard and Ryan Anderson destroyed the Raptors, combining for 55 points.
Rebounding- A-
Positives
The Raptors held their ground against a tough Magic rebounding force. The Magic outrebounded the Raps by the mininal margin of 43-42 and Aaron Gray held his own against Dwight Howard, grabbing 11 boards.
Negatives
The Raptors let a few key rebounds escape from them down the stretch, and this has been a huge factor contributing to their late-game losses this season.
Overall, this was a fantastic effort by the undermanned Raptors. DeMar DeRozan is starting to show a variety of moves in his arsenal, and the team has proved that it can play with the best in the league.
They will have a day off before the Houston Rockets come to town on Wednesday.
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