Friday, 5 Feb 2021. 22:10
NEW YORK _ In a game showcased in the United States (at ESPN), the Toronto Raptors sent a strong message by winning 123-117 over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday.
Several players were outstanding for the 2019 champions, who tied their best streak of the season with a third straight win.
Pascal Siakam scored 33 points, a peak for him this season. He also provided 11 rebounds, three steals and one block.
Kyle Lowry had 30 points and seven assists.
Norman Powell had 18 points – one more than Montrealer Chris Boucher, who also had nine rebounds and two blocks.
The Raptors improved their performance to 10-12.
“We get better every game,” said Lowry. We have a better understanding of some things, on offense and defense. “
After being declared unavailable at the last minute (NBA protocol regarding COVID-19), Kevin Durant of the Nets was finally given the green light to play – for a while.
He entered the game with 4:13 left in the first quarter, replacing James Harden.
But, in a most curious turnaround, he was declared unfit to play with 7:36 to go in the third quarter, and therefore removed from the match, precisely because of the protocol related to COVID-19.
In January, Durant missed three matches in connection with the protocol.
Durant had eight points – and committed five fouls – in 19 minutes on Friday.
Durant is second in the NBA with 30.8 points per game, on average. He took part in 18 of the Nets’ 24 games.
Toronto took control early, and it wasn’t until the start of the third quarter that Brooklyn led for the first time.
The Raptors were dynamic in the first quarter, taking a 34-23 lead. At the half, they were ahead by four points.
A brilliant offensive rebound from Boucher gave the visitors a 95-92 priority, then the score went to 108-108.
With 3:10 on the clock, Lowry gave the Raptors a 114-110 lead with a three-point shot. Moments later, he was complicit in a shot in stride from Boucher.
Shortly thereafter, an appeal to review a decision went in favor of Nick Nurse; it was indeed a Siakam block on the game, and not a fault.
Joe Harris got a three-point shot, but Fred VanVleet responded with his only such successful shot, in nine attempts.
The Raptors took control 119-113, with 1:46 on the clock.
Siakam rounded off the night with a stride shot and free throws.
“From the start we felt like we could win,” said Nurse. It got bumpy, but we made some big plays at the end. “
The Raptors are scheduled to play in Atlanta on Saturday night.
OG Anunoby was missing a fifth game in a row with a strained left calf.
Joe Harris provided 19 points for the Nets, who had prevailed in their last six games at Barclays Center.
Elsewhere in the NBA
Pelicans 114 – Pacers 113
NOP: Brandon Ingram totaled 30 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists
IND: Justin Holiday recorded 22 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
Bulls 119 – Magic 123
CHI: Zach LaVine had 26 points, 4 rebounds and 8 assists
ENT: Productive evening of 43 points and 19 rebounds for Nikola Vucevic
Bucks 123 – Cavaliers 105
MIL: Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 33 points and 12 rebounds
CLE: Game of 18 points and 9 rebounds for Andre Drummond
Jazz 138 – Hornets 121
UTA: Donovan Mitchell scored 30 points and 5 assists
CHA: LaMelo Ball recorded 34 points and 8 assists
Wizards 95 – Heat 122
WAS : Alex Len a marqué 18 points
MIA: Bam Adebayo ends the game with 21 points and 4 rebounds
Timberwolves 106 – Thunder 103
MIN: Malik Beasley had 24 points and 5 rebounds
OKC: Al Horford totaled 26 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists
Pistons c. Suns
IT:
PHO :
Celtics c. Clippers
BOS:
LAC :
