The Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Miami Heat, 96-92, in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals to even the series 1-1 at Air Canada Center on Thursday.
The Raptors clashed with the Heat in Game 2 and a came out victorious after a thrilling overtime match. The neck-and-neck game was almost a missed opportunity to come away with a blowout win for Toronto, as the Heat committed 21 turnovers and the Raptors shot a brutal 14-of-26 from the free throw line. Kyle Lowry was clutch in the final minute of regulation, but Jonas Valanciunas was the heart of and soul of the team in the fourth quarter and overtime. The Raptors big man muscled his way to multiple put back shots and was strong on the defensive end of the floor. With under one minute in regulation, Lowry drained two buckets to extend the Raptors lead, but it was Dwyane Wade and Goran Dragic for the Heat, who matched Lowry’s buckets from behind the arc to send the game to overtime.
The extra period went heavily in favor of the Raptors, as the Heat were unable to get clean looks. Through the first four minutes of overtime, Miami did not score any points, and Toronto was able to shut the door from the free throw line to even the series.
It is important to note that Dragic needed eight stitches during the game after his lip got busted up, but he returned to the game in the second half.
Entering Game 2, Lowry and DeMar DeRozan were shooting a playoffs record low for a backcourt, and although they came away with a win, both players were able to hit needed shots when it mattered. Lowry finished with 18 points, four rebounds, six assists, three steals and four turnovers on 7-of-22 shooting, while DeRozan scored 20 points on 9-of-24 shooting. Valanciunas added 15 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and three steals in 38 minutes of action.
The Heat were led by Wade and Dragic, who combined for 37 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. All five starters finished in double figures for Miami, with veteran Joe Johnson contributing 17 points, five boards and four assists. Johnson broke through the double team late in the fourth quarter to find Dragic for the game tying three-pointer.
Game 3 will take place in Miami on Saturday.
