Raptors Hang On At Home

The Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Chicago Bulls, 119-114, at Air Canada
Center on Tuesday evening. The Raptors (6-4) entered the fourth quarter with a
comfortable 98-81 lead. They started off the final frame well and pushed the
lead to as many as 19. However, the Bulls slowly and steadily chipped away
throughout the fourth quarter, amassing a 20-9 run that brought it to an
eight-point game with just under five minutes left. The Bulls (2-7) closed the
deficit to just three points with 18 seconds left but in the end the Raptors
were able to hold themselves together to save the win. DeMar DeRozan was the
high-point man for Toronto, with 24 points on 9-of-18 shooting, in 35 minutes.
Jonas Valanciunas tallied a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds, in
just 24 minutes. Kyle Lowry had a full line, with 17 points, six rebounds and
six assists, in 32 minutes. The Raptors shot 54 percent from the floor,
including 52 percent from long range. Meanwhile, the Bulls shot 50 percent from
the floor but were not as sharp from long range, hitting 37 percent. Bobby
Portis gave Chicago a great boost off the bench, as he helped propel their late
run, and finished with 21 points, 13 rebounds and four assists, in 24 minutes.
Robin Lopez added 20 points, while Justin Holiday chipped in 15. Lauri Markkanen
finished with 12 points, reaching double figures in scoring in all of his first
nine NBA games. The Bulls go on to play host to the Pacers on Friday. The
Raptors play host to the Pelicans on Thursday.