Raptors looking good with reinforcements
Revamped Toronto roster shines, downs Trail Blazers 112-106
TORONTO (CP) — Two games since they rejigged their roster, the Toronto Raptors are marching back up the Eastern Conference standings — despite the absence of all-star guard Kyle Lowry.
DeMar DeRozan scored 33 points, and newcomer Serge Ibaka had 18 points and 10 rebounds as the Raptors beat the Portland Trail Blazers 112-106 for their third straight victory.
“We still don’t know most of the plays. We’re just out there playing for the most part,” said P.J. Tucker, who along with Ibaka was acquired before last Thursday’s trade deadline.
Jonas Valanciunas added 15 points and seven boards for Toronto (35-24), while Cory Joseph, who started at point guard in place of an injured Lowry, finished with 14 points and six assists and Delon Wright chipped in with 11 points.
Damian Lillard led Portland (24-34) with 28 points.
The revamped Raptors, who went into the night in fourth in the Eastern Conference, are trying to make a push back into the top of the Eastern Conference. Their victory coupled with Washington’s loss Sunday put the Raptors even with the Wizards at six games back of Cleveland. Washington, however, has two games in hand.
DeRozan, who’s scored 76 points over the past two games, turned the spotlight on the newcomers in the post-game locker-room.
“Oh man, defensively altering and blocking shots, able to switch out on wings, point guards and able to knock down shots,” DeRozan said of Ibaka. “He takes a lot of pressure off, teams just understanding you’ve got to pick and choose. We have another weapon out there that teams have to worry about.
“It’s veteran guys that know how to play the game, keep it simple, go out there and play hard.”