It wasn’t easy but the Toronto Raptors got the job done.
They won 104-99 against a Brooklyn team that had their number most of the game. The Nets led 53-50 at the half, increased their lead to 80-74 after 3 quarters.
The Raps took over the 4th quarter out scoring the Nets 30-19 to secure the win. Norm Powell and Fred VanVleet had 24 each, Kyle Lowry added 21, Pascal Siakim struggled but still contributed 18. The Nets we’re distributing the basketball well and had six players in double figures led by Garrett Temple with 21. Their centre Jarrett Allen gave the Raps no end of trouble under the net and ended up with 14 points.
Next game Friday at 1:30 pm EST.
Lakers – Portland: The Lakers joined the Milwaukee Bucks as a #1 seed losing to the #8. Portland led by Damon Lillard (34 pts) and CJ McCollum (21 points)would not be denied a game one win. The game was close but in the end Portland won 100-93.
Lillard had 6 3 pointers, 2 of them launched almost from half court. LeBron James (23) and Anthony Davis (28) tried but when one of Lillard’s threes went right over Davis from the middle of the court late in the 4th, it was game over. They meet again Thursday at 9pm EST.
