Raptors claw out win over Grizzlies
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Toronto Raptors were teetering on the edge of their winning streak ending, facing a 17-point, second-half deficit.
However, a 3-point shooting show erased any worries.
The Raptors converted 10-of-17 shots from outside the arc in the second half, including 7 of 12 in the fourth to pull away from the Memphis Grizzlies for a 122-114 victory on Tuesday night.
“We had a real gut check at halftime there,” Raptors coach Nick Nurse said after Toronto trailed 71-59 at the break.
“We weren’t really doing the things that we wanted to do, and then we came out and played a lot better in the second half.”
Kyle Lowry had 24 points and six assists, and Fred VanVleet added 18 points to lead the Raptors. VanVleet made all six shots on the night, including three from outside the arc in the fourth.
“We know I haven’t been shooting the ball well,” VanVleet said. “That’s no secret. So, to get back on track a little bit is always fun.”
Kawhi Leonard finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Serge Ibaka scored 16 points as the Raptors won their sixth straight and maintained the best record in the NBA (18-4).
The loss marked the second time in two games that Memphis lost a double-digit lead early in the third by allowing its opponents to dominate after halftime. The Grizzlies squandered a 13-point lead in their loss to the New York Knicks on Sunday.
“They put a ton of pressure on you. Their style won the fight,” Memphis coach J.B. Bickerstaff said of the Raptors, later adding: “I think we got rushed to be honest with you. They turned up their defensive pressure and we got sped up. Again, we play a certain style, and we weren’t comfortable with some of the shots because they were rushed.”
Marc Gasol led Memphis with 27 points, making 10 of his 14 shots. Mike Conley added 20 points and six assists.
The barrage of 3-pointers from Toronto in the middle stages of the fourth keyed a 17-2 burst. The Raptors would never trail again.
The Raptors steadily cut into the deficit in the second half before the 3-point shooting display. Three straight 3-pointers from OG Anunoby, Delon Wright and VanVleet, pulled the Raptors even at 105-all near the midway point of the fourth.
“I felt like we didn’t play defence at all,” Grizzlies guard Shelvin Mack said.
Toronto has won four straight and six of seven against Memphis.
The Raptors next host the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night, hoping to set a season-best winning streak of seven.