The Toronto Raptors (24-15) defeated the host Philadelphia 76ers (4-35) 108-95 on Saturday night.
The 76ers jumped out to an early 12-0 lead on the Raptors who were coming in on the second night of a back-to-back. The Raptors woke up though responding to the 12-0 run by outscoring the 76ers 57-32 during the rest of the first half. Ish Smith gave Philly an 18 point third quarter and helped bring it to a four-point game early in the fourth but it was not enough as the Raptors cruised to victory. Toronto has now won its last 11 games against Philly.
Kyle Lowry led the way for the Raptors with 25 points (10-17 FG), six rebounds five assists and two steals, in 38 minutes. DeMar DeRozan filled the stat sheet in a similar way with 19 points (9-17 FG), seven rebounds and five assists, in 37 minutes. Jonas Valanciunas added a quick 17 points (7-10 FG, 3-5 FT), nine rebounds and two assists, in only 28 minutes. The Raptors' bench contributed a healthy 40 points in this contest.
Ish Smith had a great game for Philadelphia, finishing with a game-high 28 points (12-22 FG), in 33 minutes. Jahlil Okafor was solid with 19 points (9-15 FG), six rebounds and four assists, in 33 minutes. Carl Landry was looking good in 12 minutes off the bench as he chipped in 11 points and three rebounds. Although they came up short, the 76ers gave a good contest and made it an entertaining game.
Ish Smith and the 76ers will be faced with the second game of a back-to-back as they host the Cavaliers on Sunday. The Raptors will have a four-day break before they wrap up their current five-game road trip with a contest in Orlando on Thursday.
