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Denver Nuggets 112 – Raptors 93: Did they switch jerseys?

By Brian Boake

Feb 1, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) dunks the ball against Toronto Raptors center Bismack Biyombo (8) in the third quarter at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Raptors 112-93. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) dunks the ball against Toronto Raptors center Bismack Biyombo (8) in the third quarter at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Raptors 112-93. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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The underdog Denver Nuggets slapped around the visiting Raptors, who played like they had just met each other a day before. Worst game of the year?

The Toronto Raptors were striving for an unprecedented twelfth straight victory, and though the first quarter was wobbly, their chances were good. Then the wheels fell off. In a miserable Q2, the Raptors were outclassed at both ends of the floor. Whatever was said at halftime had little impact. Toronto’s shooting was stunningly bad, and the reserves started jumping onto the floor partway through Q4.

Feb 1, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Delon Wright (55) dribbles the ball in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Raptors 112-93. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Delon Wright (55) dribbles the ball in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Raptors 112-93. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

This loss was so terrible as to be some sort of a cosmic joke. Who was that man pretending to be Kyle Lowry? One of six from beyond the arc, and three of eight from the free-throw line? Rip his mask off! Norman Powell got more minutes this game than he’s enjoyed in a month, but couldn’t take advantage, missing all of his five shots. Patrick Patterson and Terrence Ross had one 3-ball each on 10 attempts. Guess who led the Raptors in made long balls? Delon Wright, with 2.

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I shudder to think how embarrassing the result would have been without DeMar DeRozan and his 24 points. Remove his 10 of 11 from the charity stripe, and the team made 17 of 28, or barely 60%.

Coach Dwane Casey will assuredly have some harsh words for his team’s defense today at film study, and they will deserve them. A 20-year-old rookie, Nikola Jokic, torched Toronto for 27 points and 13 rebounds. While Jonas Valanciunas may have an excuse (he was a game-time decision about even getting dressed, due to a thumb injury), Bismack Biyombo has none. He was soundly beaten by the beardless youth.

The Raptors were badly smoked in secondary stats: outrebounded 49-35 and outassisted

Will Barton continues as the Nuggets’ sparkplug off the bench, contributing 20 points.

There’s little more to be said about this hot mess of a game. The physical hangover might belong to James Johnson, who tried to rectify his mistake of missing a short shot by too-aggressively attacking the resulting Denver fast break and wound up with a twisted ankle. We won’t know about his availability for tonight’s game in Phoenix until just before tipoff. My guess? He’s out.

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What’s the takeaway from all this wretchedness? The Raptors need to remember how such a game feels, compared the joy of running the table in seven games under the eyes of your adoring fans. No more shabby efforts or underestimation of opposing teams, all of whom are motivated to defeat the rampaging Raptors.

The eleven-game streak is over. It’s time to start a new one in Phoenix tonight.

Brian Boake is Senior Editor for Raptors Rapture. “Like” Raptors Rapture on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RaptorsRapture for all the latest news and updates about the best damn NBA team from Canada.

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