The Toronto Raptors defeated the host New Orleans Pelicans, 94-87, at Smoothie
King Center on Wednesday. Despite there being just four ties and 11 lead changes
in this game, it was close throughout. In fact, neither team led by more than 10
points, as it came down to the final seconds. Three-point shooting was the only
real difference, as New Orleans went just 9-of-29, while Toronto went 8-of-21.
The statistics were unbelievably close, as rebounding, assists, steals, blocks
and turnovers were all within two of one another. The Raptors (38-26) are 5-2
since the All-Star break, as they continue to patch things together without Kyle
Lowry. Jonas Valanciunas was the star, as he accrued 25 points and 13 rebounds
to lead Toronto. DeMar DeRozan finished second on the team, collecting 14 points
and six assists. Serge Ibaka totaled 12 points, five rebounds, two steals and
four blocks. On deck for Toronto is a road matchup with the Atlanta Hawks on
Friday. The Pelicans (25-40) are now just 1-6 in games with DeMarcus Cousins, as
they simply can’t find any rhythm. Cousins did lead the team in scoring, though,
tallying 25 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Anthony Davis
totaled just seven points and four rebounds, as he left after 17 minutes with a
wrist injury. Jordan Crawford played well off the bench in his second game with
New Orleans, as he provided 10 points, three rebounds and three assists. New
Orleans will play the Charlotte Hornets for their next game on Saturday.
