Despite being without three key rotation players – in addition to Reggie Evans who has been out since the preseason –the Toronto Raptors got back to winning basketball on Wednesday night in a 108-99 victory against the high school basketball team, also known as the New Jersey Nets.
All five of the Raptors starters scored in double-digits, with Bosh and Bargnani leading the way with 20 apiece. The Nets were lead by Devin Harris and Yi Jianlian who both poured in 15 points, which allowed the Nets to stay within striking distance of the Raptors until the later portion of the third quarter. Another key contributor in a losing cause for the Nets, was former Raptor fan favorite, Kris Humphries who nabbed a double-double with 13 points and 11 boards in his return to the Air Canada Center.
The Raptors don’t play again until Sunday, when the Sacramento Kings (16-31) come into town for the first of two meetings between the two clubs this year. Of the injured Raptors only Demar DeRozan has clearly stated his intentions to return to the Raptors line-up on Sunday, but hopes to be joined by both Jose Calderon and Hedo Turkoglu.
With this win the Raptors improve their overall record to 27-23, and grab their 18th home victory of the season. The Raptors and Nets next meet after the All-Star break, when CB4 and the Raptors will hope to continue their dominance of this helpless New Jersey squad.
Raptors Player of the Game
Sonny Weems – 14 points, 11 rebounds in 39 minutes of action.
Fans Perspective
Despite making me nervous throughout the first 36 minutes of the game, the Raptors proved one thing tonight, just how bad the New Jersey Nets really are. It’s kind of pathetic to think that an NBA team can still lose by 9 when their opponent’s: (a) star player has an off shooting night, (b) missing three core players, (c) starting point guard is feeling under the weather. None the less, a win is a win, and there is no denying that the Raptors roster can truly use these three days off.
Credit-Mark Blinch,Reuters-canada.com
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