The Toronto Raptors (26-15) used a big fourth quarter to hold home court Monday night against the Brooklyn Nets (11-31) at Air Canada Centre,
Toronto trailed by three entering the fourth quarter the game remained tight until the final six minutes, when the Raptors defense clamped down on the Nets. After tying the game at 98-98 with 6:11 to go in the game, the Nets went ice cold and didn't score for the next 4:33. By then, the Raptors had rattled off 14 straight points and had sealed the victory.
Kyle Lowry caught fire, as he shot 10-13 from the floor and a ludicrous 7-9 from three-point land to finish with 31 points to go with eight assists and three steals. DeMar DeRozan scored 30 (12-25 shooting) and added five assists as part of Toronto's one-two punch. Toronto shot over 50 percent from the field (43-85) and three-point land (13-24) and the offensive onslaught was too much for the Nets to bear.
Brook Lopez dominated inside as he led the Nets with 29 points (13-22 shooting), 10 rebounds and a pair of blocked shots. Joe Johnson had a hot shooting night (9-12 FG, 3-4 3PT) and chipped in 22 points and seven assists. The Nets shot well inside (54.8 percent on two-point shots) but made just five three-pointers compared to Toronto's 13.
The Raptors draw the Celtics on Wednesday as they continue a homestand against Eastern Conference opponents. The Nets return home for a Wednesday date against Cleveland.
