Despite the fatigue linked to their recent marathon ended in triple overtime in Miami, the Raptors have found the resources to continue on the floor of the Hawks. The latter, who remained on a series of seven consecutive successes, were deprived of Trae Young, on the sidelines due to shoulder pain.
His absence did not prevent Atlanta from staying in touch with the Raptors throughout this hotly contested meeting. Taking advantage of a De’Andre Hunter – Kevin Huerter tandem in form, Atlanta even took the lead at the break (57-48) after a controlled second quarter.
The locals had a lot more trouble containing the Canadian attack in the third act (15-32 in favor of the Raptors), like a Gary Trent Jr. on fire behind the 3-point line. He scored an award-winning shot at the buzzer to give his team a three-possession lead before the final period (72-80).
A very undecided last quarter which gave rise to the awakening of Bogdan Bogdanovic behind the 3-point line too. The Serb gave Atlanta several chances to come back in the last moments but OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam finally had the last word.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The Raptors address. With 18 3-point baskets, including half for Gary Trent Jr alone, the Canadians matched their best performance of the season in this area. Their success of 50% at this distance was even their best mark of the season.
– The end of the Hawks series. After several weeks of mediocrity between December and mid-January, Atlanta has raised the bar by chaining these seven consecutive successes, obtained mainly at home. This series has allowed Atlanta to get closer to a balanced record and the Top 8 in the East. They will probably have to wait a little longer to achieve these goals because the Hawks host the Suns on Thursday, then move on to Toronto and then Dallas to end the week.
– Raptors Wear. In Miami, the five Canadian holders had exceeded… 54 minutes of play. This night again, their playing time climbed to a minimum of 35 minutes, including more than 40 for Pascal Siakam and Gary Trent Jr. “ I didn’t even let them get on the bus to come here.” laughed Nick Nurse, whose shooting session on Monday was not mandatory. “We try to save them as much as possible. I know some of them enjoyed it, that’s for sure.“
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Gary Trent Jr. Fourth game in a row with 31 points or more for the Raptors’ in-form man! That night, the shooter even offered himself a career record with nine award-winning baskets, including seven registered after the break. He notably stood out by planting four award-winning baskets almost consecutively between the very end of the third quarter and the start of the fourth to allow Toronto to take the lead.
✅ Kevin Huerter. Another very inspired shooter on this part. The Hawks fullback had one of his cleanest games of the year. Unfortunately for him, each time he exceeds the 25-point mark this season (three times), it’s automatic defeat for his team.
✅ Pascal Siakam. Solid and complete game for the frame of the team who scored an important shot in the “money time” and redeemed himself with two converted shots eight seconds from the end, after missing a first series a few seconds earlier.
⛔ Delon Wright and John Collins. Ten small points scored at 4/18 on cumulative shots… The first was used to better when he started this season. The second, as the team’s second scorer, was also expected. In Trae Young’s absence, they both missed an opportunity to shine.
NICK NURSE REVOTE FRED VANVLEET
The Raptors coach continues his lobbying campaign in favor of the first All-Star selection of Fred VanVleet, author last night of a very complicated match in terms of address. ” I think he’s having a great season in a different role with the departure of Kyle (Lowry). It is his role to ensure in terms of leadership. He has always had a huge impact on the team and the franchise. He deserves it “, Formulated the coach.
THE FOLLOWING
Hawks (24-26) : reception of the Suns, Thursday.
Raptors (25-23) : reception of the Heat, the next night.
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