Raptors dominate Sixers to move into 2nd place in the East!

There’s definitely no stopping the Raptors’ crazy momentum. These are not yet eleven straight wins for the Pistons. But with the victory in Philadelphia (112-121), the Canadian franchise achieved its ninth success in ten matches and confirmed a very good start to the season.

The visitors started well with Scottie Barnes etc RJ Barrett in detonators and fairly distributed scoring. Or roughly the opposite of the Sixers, where Tyrese McKay hits the ground running and seems to be launched on a mission alone against all. The leader is successful (12 points on 4/7 in the first quarter), but Philadelphia stays in the game thanks to the contribution Trendon Watfordauthor of a triple-double against these same Raptors two weeks ago, coming off the bench. Philadelphia is outrageously dominant in rebounding, but suffers from Toronto’s defensive intensity and loses eight possessions in twelve minutes.

The visitors briefly lead by seven points, but Philadelphia immediately responds with an 8-0 run thanks to the skill of the outside Jared McCain etc Jabari Walker. A sector where the Raptors went completely bankrupt in this second quarter, preventing them from extending their lead. Toronto seems to have a slight edge in the debates, but the Sixers come back every time to respond. A 9-0 run to end the quarter and take the lead back into the locker room after leading for barely more than two minutes in the entire first period (59-56).

A very good second period

Perhaps upset that they were beaten in the post, the Raptors came back with many more conquerors. Barrett climbs the poster Andre Drummond to set the tone. Toronto plays faster, much faster: 108 points (points scored per 100 possessions) in the third quarter, compared to a 98 game average. The Canadiens take advantage of numerous enemy turnovers, as well as Philadelphia’s haphazard and sometimes questionable retreat. The Tide totaled 44 points, 13/19 shooting with an assist on each of the successes, and even found a 3-point skill (5/6). The Sixers are swamped and racking up mistakes, letting Toronto fly away (82-97).

Nick Nurse’s men know this scenario all too well this season. And once again, Philadelphia is letting the storm pass in order to move forward better. The Raptors are under pressure and have a few turnovers. Trio Walker – Drummond – Grimes sounds like a charge, and Quentin Grimes he scores with two big shots from a distance of 19-6 to completely restart the match (106-109, 43′). The Sixers miss the tying ball and that’s it Immanuel Quickley who takes control of things. Toronto’s leader hit two 3-pointers in the final three minutes to force a decision.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

– Duel Quickly – Grimes in good weather. The fourth quarter was top-notch intensity, helped by the heat of Quentin Grimes. The shooter stepped up to try to turn the match around (15 points on 5/9 in the final quarter). But he fell to the composure of Immanuel Quickley, also the author of three 3-point shots during the period and Toronto’s providential man at the end of the game.

– The Raptors team is impressive. Once again, the entire Toronto team was able to speak. Six players finished with more than ten points, but most notably, six players finished with four or more assists, a much rarer performance, including all five mails. Darko Rajaković’s method seems to be paying off.

– Toronto new runner-up Detroit. With this new success, the Raptors used Cleveland’s loss to climb into second place in the Eastern Conference. They are winless in nine games in ten meetings since February 2020, the best regular season in franchise history. And the victory in the evening shows a little more the character of this team, which was not defeated by the return of Philadelphia.

https://vvv.youtube.com/vatch?v=k_C0mfCgTkE

How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = point difference when the player is on the court; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.