The Toronto Raptors have set a franchise record in wins, moving their win-loss mark 48-33 after putting away the Milwaukee Bucks (15-66).
Despite the all the attention in the stands and away from the court – the unveiling of the division banner and “Fanapalooza” night – they were able to come with a professional attitude, and put the Bucks away early in the game. DeMar DeRozan dressed, but did not play because of Coach Dwane Casey‘s decision to rest him for a big game against the New York Knicks, and before the weekend when the playoffs start.
Offence: B
The Raptors came in red hot from the field, especially from 3, with Greivis Vasquez leading the way from the perimeter. However, as the game moved on, the Raptors missed some easy shots inside and out. They were able to score 110 points, and the ball movement was absolutely terrific. In the end, they shot 47% from the field, 44% from the perimeter, and assisted 25 times with only 13 turnovers.
Defence: B
Defensively, the Raptors did a great job in the first quarter, holding their opponent to 19 points, and shooting below 45% from the field. However, as the game progressed, the Bucks started hitting shots and scoring on easy baskets from bad defensive breakdowns. While these breakdowns and mental lapses were very minimal and had almost no effect on the outcome, these mistakes in the playoffs would hurt dearly. The Bucks were able to shoot high percentages; 52% from the field, 60% from the perimeter, but the Raptors turned them over 16 times. In addition, Toronto was able to grab 11 steals.
Rebounding: A
Rebounding largely went the Raptors’ way, with Jonas Valanciunas and Tyler Hansbrough leading the effort with 13 and 11 respectively. The total rebounding battle was taken by the Raptors, winning 46-32, 31-26 defensively, and 15-6 on the offensive glass.
Game Ball: Greivis Vasquez
Vasquez was firing early on in the game, by necessity without the team’s leading scorer and all-star in DeRozan. GV did a great job running the show along with Lowry, who made some fantastic highlight plays and provided some offensive leadership. Greivis finished with a game-high of 25 points, and 7 assists on 67% from the field, 5/9 from the perimeter, and 4/5 from the free-throw line. #VictoryBaby
