The Toronto Raptors barely defeat the injury-riddled Memphis Grizzlies, 99-95, sweeping the season series.
Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan and Jonas Valanciunas led the team to a scrappy victory- improving the team’s record to 51-24. The All Star backcourt combined for 49 points and Valanciunas boasted a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds. Norman Powell and Terrence Ross provided key offence down the stretch, scoring 14 and 12 points respectively.
The Grizzlies, despite being severely undermanned, were able to boast some efficient offence. Seven of their players were in double figures, notably Zach Randolph (16 points), Lance Stephenson (12 points) and former Raptor Vince Carter (10 points).
The game wasn’t pretty, but that’s to be expected when you play a grit-grindy Memphis team who is now on a five-game losing streak. Not to mention the refs barely blew the whistle, so contact was plentiful.
Offence: B+
The Raptors struggled to get into rhythm in the first half, being outscored 30-18 in the second quarter. But the two areas in which the Raptors edged the Grizzlies were at the free throw line – shooting 93.1 to Memphis’ 82.4 per cent – and beyond the arc – shooting 42.9 to Memphis’ 36.8 per cent.
Powell continued to impress once again, providing the Raptors with another scoring option. Oh yeah, did we mention that he can fly?
Enjoy. #RTZ https://t.co/ABtLmB6tlZ
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) April 2, 2016
Defence: B-
The only true defensive highlight was Valanciunas putting up seven blocks. The Raptors were met with some relentless offence from the Grizzlies, especially in the first half. Z-Bo bullied anyone who dared meet him in the post, Carter helped grab four offensive rebounds and Xavier Munford had himself quite the night: 12 points on 5-7 shooting and going 2-3 from deep.
Stephenson also had himself some highlights, like this pretty blow-by dunk:
. @StephensonLance takes off! #MEMvTOR ? pic.twitter.com/LogwZ5K0Mh
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) April 2, 2016
Rebounding: A-
The Raptors were able to take care of the defensive glass, which proved to be crucial in the final two minutes of the game. JV led the team in this category with 14, complementing his 11 points. In a game where the whistle was barely blown, grabbing rebounds while players are slashing and jumping at you is no easy task.
Game Ball: Jonas Valanciunas
Valanciunas’ double-double (11 points, 14 rebounds) earned him tonight’s game ball. His stellar performance also includes seven blocks and 90 per cent shooting from the charity stripe. His free throws would ultimately ice the game, showing that the Raptors have a clutch big man- which is a good sign with playoffs on the horizon.
To end it off, here’s a clip of him grabbing an offensive rebound and dunking on the Birdman.
JV gettin' up close and personal. #RTZ https://t.co/GZjtYoYncZ
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) April 2, 2016
