The Toronto Raptors now improve to 37-27, after taming the Memphis Grizzlies in a play-off atmosphere game. As a result of the win, the Claws are now 10 games above .500, improving to 20-12 at home, also continuing to sit in the 3rd seed of the Eastern Conference. Great games by Jonas Valanciunas, Kyle Lowry, and Greivis Vasquez propelled this impressive victory over a play-off tested, Western conference team in the Grizz. K-Low finished with 22 points, 12 assists, and 7 rebounds, with the back-up in Vasquez, dropping 17 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds and key plays both offensively, and defensively. Coach Dwane Casey has to be happy with the Raptors coming off two fairly comfortable wins; they’ll bring some momentum into Sunday, when they face the much improved Phoenix Suns in the ACC.
Offence: A
Offensively, the Raptors were on point, after struggling in the first quarter shooting below 40%. However, the Raps finished the game with a terrific 50.7% from the field, 52.9% from the perimeter, and 81.8% from the free-throw line. Not only did they shoot great percentages across the board, the Raptors made some terrific plays, assisting 23 times. Unfortunately, the Raps turned the ball over 16 times, which forced my hand from giving them an A+, tough luck, friends.
Defence: A+
Great game defensively by the Raptors; everyone was focused, and everyone came in and performed their job. They were able to hold the Grizz to poor shooting percentages; 44.6% from the field, 25% from the perimeter, and 66.7% from the free-throw line. Not only were they able to force poor shooting, the Grizz turned the ball over 16 times, in contrast to only 16 assists. Valanciunas, Vasquez, and DeRozan also made timely, terrific plays defensively.
Rebounding: B-
Despite the Grizz being such a great inside, rebounding team, the Raptors won the battle 36-35, and taking home the defensive rebounding battle, 28-23. However, the Grizz had the advantage on the offensive glass 12-8.
Game-Ball: Jonas Valanciunas
Vasquez and Lowry were terrific, but this was the best game we’ve seen Valanciunas play all season, and it couldn’t have come at a better time, especially against such a great defensive big man combo in Marc Gasol, and Zach Randolph. JV finished with a season-high 23 points and 9 rebounds, but what was more impressive about his performance, was shutting down Randolph in the second half of the game. #WictoryBaby
