The Toronto Raptors were sluggish for stretches of Monday’s game but still won for the 15th time in a row, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 137-126. Toronto was led by Pascal Siakam’s 34 points.
The Toronto Raptors were missing both Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka on a night that Karl-Anthony Towns was, well, in town. Minnesota’s talented big man finished the game with a team-high 23 points, though, I’d hardly call what Towns had a good game. Watching him, I must say his case in the I Got Snubbed court of law is a weak one.
Taking a page out of the Houston Rockets playbook, Toronto went super small to start the game (remember in this instance, the team had no choice) and started Rondae Hollis-Jefferson at the five spot. Known as a high-energy, max-level effort all the time kind of player, Hollis-Jefferson battled Towns with help from teammates and forced the Timberwolves’ “snub” into some tough looks.
Oh, I almost forgot – Kyle Lowry was back in the lineup. With one game remaining before the break, it was good to see Lowry return after suffering a whiplash injury in the win over Brooklyn. Looking no worse for wear, Lowry scored 27 points, dished out 11 assists, and grabbed seven rebounds. Along with all that, though, he committed a game-high eight turnovers.
Overall, it was ugly for stretches but a win is a win and the Raptors will gladly take their 15th straight victory any way it comes, especially when they trailed by as many as eight in Monday’s contest. A single game against the Nets in Brooklyn remains before an extended break arrives, sure to benefit Toronto’s growing list of injured players.
Both Siakam and Lowry are heading to the All-Star Game, perhaps some teammates tagging along in support. One thing is certain, though, and that is Toronto’s medical staff will be plenty busy over the break. Maybe, just maybe Nick Nurse will have a full, healthy roster when play resumes on February 21.
Now let’s talk standards, rather, grades, shall we? –