Raptors managed to pull of an impressive 126 – 113 against an ailing Lakers last night.
Pascal Siakam showed his value once again, collecting 25 points and 10 rebounds. It’s his 5th game to collect around 20 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.
He joined Fred VanFleet (25 points) and Anunoby (23 points) to help the Raptors take another home win. Their home win tally now sits at 10 – 3.
‘We did what we were supposed to do tonight, very professional, locked in from the jump ball and really just didn’t give them any chance to get going,’ VanFleet said after the game.
Light benches
The win was significant given the pride of Toronto already being light on the bench without Achiuwa, Hernangomez and Porter. In fact, Nurse could deliver almost twice as many subs to the game than Lakers could muster. The big difference in the Lakers’ side made itself known.
With no Lebron James, out for an ankle injury and no Anthony Davis, out with illness, were also joined by Patrick Beverley and Wenyen Gabriel.
The crowd made their feelings known, showing their disappointment when the names were called.
The game
Raptors took the lead early in the game, managing a sizable lead of up to 10 points from the get-go. Lakers started badly and the opening of the game would define the rest. Raptors’ dominant lead continued into the Second and Third Quarters, expanding the gap by up to 23 points. A whole 5 minutes passed in the Second without Lakers even scoring.
The best the Lakers could do throughout was to play catch up.
Better in second half
The Lakers manager said that he thought the second half of the game was far better than the first for his team. While it wasn’t the result they hoped for, the team managed to switch on, something they should’ve done from the start.
‘As disappointed as I am in losing the game – you know, you never like to lose – I’m not upset, I’m not distraught… We pulled it together and we competed like we should have done from the start,’ Ham said.
Final score: Raptors 126 – Lakers 113
Raptors are back in action against Orlando Magic this Friday. Magic currently sits bottom of the Western Conference with 6 wins and 20 losses this season so far. Raptors first match-up against Magic saw them beat them with a decisive 121 – 108.
Lakers travel to Philadelphia to face Philadelphia 76ers for the first time this season. 76ers are scratching this season with 12 wins and 12 losses. Lakers have a challenge though. The last two match-ups saw 76ers beat Lakers but not by much.
