Without franchise player Chris Bosh for the third consecutive game the Toronto Raptors were simply no match for the visiting Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night losing 101 – 87. The loss not only dropped the Raptors to 31-25 on the season, it also ended their 20-game streak of scoring at least 100 or more points.
Credit-APphoto,bnd.com
The visiting Blazers were lead by none other than Brandon Roy, who tore up the Raptors defense scoring 20 points, to go along with 5 boards and 5 assists. They also received considerable contributions from both Andre Miller and Rudy Fernandez, who poured in 18 and 17 respectively -in Miller’s case the first half of a double-double as he also recorded 10 assists. The win moves the Blazers 8 games over .500 and further helps their case to make the playoffs in the always tough Western Conference.
In a losing cause, the Raptors were lead by offseason acquisition Hedo Turkoglu, who scored 24 points, including 3 for 3 from long distance, and a gorgeous no look layup. The Raptors hope to get the same productivity from Turkoglu upon Bosh’s return to only make the team that much stronger both over the course of the regular season and into the playoffs.
The Raptors next play on Friday night, when the Cleveland Cavaliers come to the Air Canada Center for the third meeting between the two clubs this season -each winning on their own home court. There is no word, whether Chris Bosh will be available to the Raptors in this game, but one can only hope, especially considering the challenge the Cavs present.
Raptors Player of the Game
Hedo Turkoglu – 24 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
Fans Perspective
Even with Chris Bosh in the line-up tonight’s contest versus the Blazers would have been a tough one to win. Tonight I realized truly how entertaining a team the Blazers are to watch, and developed an even greater appreciation for the skill set of Brandon Roy. With the schedule that lies ahead the Raptors are going to have to start stealing some difficult games or they will find themselves in the 6th-8th seeds of the Eastern Conference in a hurry. Go Raps Go!
FanSided
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