Missed again for Toronto! The Canadians conceded a third consecutive defeat by losing at home against the Kings, who were still in “back-to-back” but who made the difference with their serenity and accuracy at the end.
After a balanced first act concluded by a 7-0 for the locals (31-23), Toronto resumed the second quarter with the same enthusiasm, since it was an 8-0 initiated by the two dunks of Christian Koloko which embarrassed Sacramento (39-23).
De’Aaron Fox revived his own with two 3-point missiles before receiving support from Domantas Sabonis, author of two baskets in a row. The Kings have completely managed to go back in front, with De’Aaron Fox once again in charge, to add a 2 + 1 or serve Keegan Murray to put his people in the lead (56-57). Fred Van Vleet then had to work to ensure the advantage for the Raptors at the break thanks to three baskets scored in quick succession (62-59).
Everything had to be redone for Toronto when they returned from the locker room. Even if the expulsion of Mike Brown gave a small boost to the locals (73-64). FVV had to multiply the exploits to keep the Raptors in the lead. But Sacramento did not crack, between the 3-pointers of Keegan Murray, Malik Monk and Trey Lyles and the precious baskets of Domantas Sabonis, Davion Mitchell and Richaun Holmes to stay in contact 12 minutes from the end (94-88) .
It was another 3-point volley that revived the California franchise, this time with Terence Davis and Malik Monk twice to put Sacramento in front (104-106). At the best time, it was Domantas Sabonis’ turn to dominate, to find Harrison Barnes or score twice, as the Raptors began to have waste near the circle (110-114).
Scottie Barnes took responsibility for a 3-pointer from the corner but Pascal Siakam missed the opportunity to put Toronto back in front despite an ideal position under the circle. Harrison Barnes on throws then De’Aaron Fox with a subtle left-handed drive followed by a mid-range shot, took the opportunity to reduce the suspense. The Raptors fought to the end, but Fred VanVleet’s last 3-point attempt, completely open, did not find the target (123-124).
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– A palpable discomfort. We feel that Toronto is going through a difficult period and that the mind is somewhat friable. The first half confirmed the difficulties of Nick Nurse’s team at 3-point (3/13 in the exercise) but the Raptors had managed to compensate with aggression towards the circle. In the “money-time” on the other hand, it is as if Pascal Siakam’s teammates were playing with the tremblote. The almost ready-made baskets of the Cameroonian, Scottie Barnes or others in the paint no longer found the target. The last 3-point shooting position was a miracle for Fred Van Vleet. The fullback had plenty of time to get his bearings and shoot, but his shot once again hit the ring.
– The expulsion of Mike Brown. The Kings coach had little taste for one of the whistles of the refereeing body and let it be known… By entering the field and heading towards the referee in question, obviously with the desire to fight it out ! The coach probably wanted to protect his players against the muscular intensity of the Raptors, while the game masters let play. We can’t really speak of an electric shock following his expulsion since the Kings weren’t dropped at the start of the third quarter. But Sacramento won and that’s the most important thing for him, beyond the nice fine he might receive.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ De’Aaron Fox. After his non-match against the Knicks, the Kings boss recovered well. Present at the start of the match to launch his own and essential at the end, with baskets that put the Raptors’ heads under water. He leaves an impression of ease, of having a head start like on his last lay-up where he completely deceived the vigilance of Scottie Barnes.
✅ Malik Monk. The X factor, a real walking firecracker who showed the extent of his physical abilities as a bonus in this match. In the absence of Kevin Huerter, his contribution was preponderant to allow the Kings to maintain the threat in attack on a regular basis over 48 minutes.
✅ Domantas Sabonis. Mister efficiency! 21 points at 10/13 shooting, 7 assists and above all 20 rebounds! That’s more than half of those taken by the entire opposing team! Also important on the end on both sides of the pitch.
✅⛔️ Fred VanVleet. The point guard planted 39 points while he remained on a few complicated shooting outings. Is he “cured” for all that? Nothing is less sure. His last shot could have changed everything, but in the end, he still makes a hideous percentage from afar (2/8). It will take a few performances in style to ensure that “FVV”, at 24.5% address in more than 8 attempts on average per match since the beginning of December, is definitely back on the right track.
THE FOLLOWING
Toronto (13-15): new big test for the Raptors with the reception of the Nets, this Friday evening (01:30).
Sacramento (15-12): the Kings wrap up their six-game road trip to Detroit this Friday night (1:00 a.m.).
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