Raptors Cage

Post Game Report Card: Raptors collapse in fourth, lose to Bulls

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The Toronto Raptors did what they do best, once again. Down the stretch, nursing a 15 point lead, the Raptors gave up a huge run to the Chicago Bulls, and ultimately lost 115-113. Jimmy Butler took over the second half of this game – he had 40 of his 42 points in the 3rd and 4th. Yes, you read that right. The Raptors almost won it at the buzzer off a DeMar DeRozan three, but they didn’t.

So, what happened? Once again, the Raptors failed to respond to a run put together by a strong opponent, and simply could not execute down the stretch. The Raptors went small for far too long, and quite honestly did not give Jonas Valanciunas and DeMarre Carroll enough run in the 2nd half – when they were needed the most. We have seen this story before – Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan trying to play hero ball late in games, with very little ball movement. When is Dwane Casey going to get it right? Let’s just get to the report card.

Offense: A- 

113 points against a stingy Bulls defense is pretty impressive. Their field goal percentage was through the roof in the first half, and really everything was clicking prior to the Bulls run. The three was falling, the ball was moving well, and good shots were being taken. What happened?

DeRozan led the way with 24, while Lowry added 22. However, the guards shot 15-39 combined – that is not good. Luis Scola was actually the best Raptor tonight, scoring a very efficient 22.

Defense: D+

In the first half, everything was cool. Then Jimmy Butler just woke up. I am not sure why Carroll wasn’t playing him as frequently in the second half – Butler continuously cooked Ross. He was just wreaking havoc, and ultimately was the major difference maker. Allowing 115 points is not going to win you many games.

Rebounding: C+ 

The Raptors lost the edge they had on the boards, especially when they decided to play smaller. Valanciunas rebounded well with 9 boards, in 23 minutes, but that’s about it. The Raps were outrebounded 42-37.

Ultimately, this game came down to the runs both teams made. The Bulls run was more timely, and the Raptors failed to adjust. This is the Raptors basketball we have become so accustomed to.

Game Ball: Jimmy Butler 

40 second half points broke Michael Jordan’s record for the Bulls. Really, Jimmy Butler single handedly won this game for the Bulls in the second half. He was just hitting some incredible shots that you couldn’t do much about. Hats off.

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