National Post

Raptors look to correct their course after mild tailspin

- Frank Zicarelli fzicarelli@ postmedia. com

There is an obvious need in Raptorland to regain the confidence and swagger the team had when Cleveland came to town l ast Thursday on a nationally televised game down south.

With the G- League Showcase unfolding in Mississaug­a, the Cavs- Raps occasion brought out many of basketball’s heavy hitters in all shapes and sizes, egos and stature.

Players rose to the occasion only to fall flat on their face when the evening began Saturday as the reigning champion Warriors did whatever they wanted before the Raptors made a valiant comeback after trailing by as many as 27 points.

Another comeback was required Monday afternoon in Philly, where the home side posted 32 first-quarter points.

The Raptors now enter Wednesday’s matchup with Detroit, the first of a four-game season series between the clubs.

Teams that are serious about making a run in the NBA post-season must show resiliency and that moment has arrived for the Raptors, who play host to San Antonio Friday before winging it to Minnesota to play the Timberwolv­es Saturday night.

A loss to the Pistons and it’s easy to see how this little tailspin can potentiall­y grow.

Kyle Lowry, who said he played terribly in his return Monday, at least has one game under his belt following his bruised tailbone incident in Brooklyn. Lowry and Sixers rookie Ben Simmons got into a heated exchange late in the game, the two shown the door.

In the Philly game, seven of Lowry’s 13 points came in the fourth quarter in his native city, but he also turned the ball over three times in the quarter. Toronto came within one point, but fell 117111.

In the final period, the Raptors were a minus- 6 in turnover points.

No player made a three- point shot in the opening half. And still, Toronto had a chance. Serge Ibaka, Jonas Valanciuna­s and rookie OG Anunoby each played 4: 53 in the second half against Philly, none in the fourth when the Raptors made their run.

When they were on the floor in the third quarter, the three starters were a minus-9.

Clearly, each has to step up beginning Wednesday night.

 ??  ?? Jonas Valanciuna­s
Jonas Valanciuna­s

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