TORONTO – Multiplying errors and missed chances, the Toronto Raptors lost their third straight game Tuesday, losing 98-91 to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Toronto (9-13) never led during the game, but came close to a point a few times in the second half.
However, after another slack from Nick Nurse’s squad, a three-point shot from Ontarian Dillon Brooks gave the Grizzlies a solid 84-73 lead, with 8:01 on the clock in the final quarter. It was too much for the Raptors, who are 2-8 at home.
The Toronto club went 5-10 in November and are two and a half games away from 10th in the East.
Jaren Jackson led the Grizzlies with 25 points, two more than Desmond Bane. Brooks finished the night with 17 points.
Memphis was getting by without star player Ja Morant. Knee injury Friday, against the Hawks, he should miss a few weeks. Drafted second overall in 2019, Moran has averaged 24.1 points per game this season. It earns him 12th rank in the NBA.
Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with 20 points, one more than Scottie Barnes.
Fred VanVleet got 15 points. Reservist Yuta Watanabe did very well, amassing 11 points, including three shots from long distance.
Making poor shooting choices and playing with very little conviction, the Raptors were 17 points behind in the first half. After 24 minutes, the club were down by 11 points.
A 10-0 push in the third quarter gave fans hope, but it wasn’t going to last.
As an example of the lack of opportunism, Barnes missed a dunk that would have reduced the opposing lead to 77-74. The Grizzlies quickly gained even more control, leading to Brooks’ long range shooting.
The Raptors were again deprived of several elements.
OG Anunoby and Khem Birch were missing a seventh game in a row: left hip and right knee injuries, respectively. Anunoby is averaging 20.1 points per game this season.
Gary Trent was sidelined in a second straight game, the result of right calf trouble.
The Raptors began a seven-game home stay against Boston on Sunday. Next visitors will be the Bucks (Thursday), Wizards, Thunder, Knicks and Kings.
New York’s fight against the Nets in a spectacular game
James Harden and Kevin Durant carried Brooklyn until James Johnson made two free throws with 2.2 seconds remaining to give the Nets a 112-110 victory over the Knicks in Battle for New York.
Harden scored 34 points, while Durant warmed up from a slow start to finish with 27 points and 9 assists. He scored 11 points in the final six minutes.
James Johnson suffered a foul in the lane and landed free throws for the final points of an entertaining game.
Alec Burks scored 25 points in his new role as the Knicks’ starting point guard.
Julius Randle added 24 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.
Elsewhere in the NBA:
Warriors – Suns
GS :
PHO :
Pistons 92 – Trail Blazers 110
DET: 26 points, 7 rebounds and 1 assist for Cade Cunningham
POR: 28 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists for CJ McCollum
Lakers 117 – Kings 92
LAL: three players with at least 20 points, being Anthony Davis (25), Russell Westbrook (23) and Malik Monk (22)
SAC: 27 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists for Richaun Holmes
