The Toronto Raptors, weakened by player transfers, suffered a bitter defeat in the National Basketball Association (NBA) on Saturday (local time). The Canadians with Jakob Pöltl had to admit defeat to the Detroit Pistons with 127:129. The Michigan franchise had previously lost 28 games in a row, setting a negative record in the league.
In the last game of 2023, Pöltl scored four points, a personal season high of 14 rebounds, five assists, three blocks and one steal. The 28-year-old center from Vienna played 34:42 minutes in the Raptors’ 20th loss of the season.
Raptors are giving up three players
A few hours before the game it became known that the Canadians and the New York Knicks had agreed on transfers. Toronto gave up a regular player in OG Anunoby as well as Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn. In return, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley as well as a second-round pick in the upcoming draft are coming to Lake Ontario.
The trio that is moving to the “Big Apple” was no longer available at the bottom of the NBA, and the new duo is not yet available. Coach Darko Rajakovic was therefore dependent on only ten players who could play. The Pistons took advantage of this and celebrated their first win since October 28th and the following 28 defeats. Cade Cunningham was the laggard’s top scorer with 30 points. Toronto was led by Pascal Siakam (35) and Dennis Schröder (30).
James loses with Lakers on birthday
LeBron James lost with the Los Angeles Lakers 106:108 to the Minnesota Timerwolves on his birthday. The NBA superstar turned 39 on Saturday. He scored 26 points, while Anthony Davis had 33. Anthony Edwards scored 31 points for the “Wolves”, currently the second best team in the league with 24:7 wins.
Luka Doncic scored 39 points the day before New Year’s Eve and led the Dallas Mavericks to a 132:122 win over the Golden State Warriors. Ten assists and eight rebounds rounded off his statistics. The Californians lost for the third time in a row. Stephen Curry scored 25 points and Chris Paul’s 24 points was a season high.
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