Raptors stymie Spurs’ offence

TORONTO — The Toronto Raptors played such stifling defence that even a two-year-old could see it was the San Antonio Spurs’ undoing.

Kyle Lowry scored 24 and added three assists as the Raptors held on for an 86-83 win over the Spurs on Friday. When asked what Toronto did defensively that was so effective, Lowry’s toddler son Kameron answered for him.

“Played good,” said Kameron, from his dad’s arms.

“We played good defence,” said the older Lowry, translating for his camera-shy son. “I think we just talked. Communication went well, we helped each other every single play. Knowing a team like that, you gotta always be in constant communication, what they’re gonna run, who’s gonna get the ball.”

DeMar DeRozan had 21 points, six assists and seven rebounds for Toronto (31-13), which has only lost at Air Canada Centre three times this season. Centre Jonas Valanciunas had a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds.

LaMarcus Aldridge led San Antonio (30-17) with 17 points and 14 rebounds. Most of his scoring came in the third quarter as the Spurs mounted a comeback and Valanciunas was on the bench.

DeRozan praised the grinding defence that Valanciunas applied to Aldridge throughout the game, keeping him scoreless in the second and fourth quarters.

“Physicality. Got real physical with him,” said DeRozan.