Despite resting both DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry, the Toronto Raptors gave the San Antonio Spurs all they could handle on Saturday night. Here are the takeaways from the Raptors’ 102-95 loss.
RESTING RAPTORS
With the Raptors playing the second game of a road back-to-back, Dwane Casey opted to rest his all-star backcourt. Kyle Lowry was inactive for the game, while DeMar DeRozan was active and dressed but it was predetermined he’d be sitting. Without the highest scoring backcourt in the Eastern Conference facing the best defensive team in the league, Toronto only lost by seven.
As odd as it sounds considering they have 51 wins, Saturday’s loss was one of the Raptors’ best performances of the year.
SPURS’ SUPPORT STARS
When people think of the Spurs they often cite the “Big 3” of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. Make no mistake, their success this season and ability to sustain success comes from the young all-stars beside them. Kawhi Leonard scored 33, to go along with seven assists and six rebounds while shooting 10-of-17 from the field and 11-of-11 from the line against the Raptors. When he was at the charity stripe, “MVP” chants rained down at the AT&T Center.
LaMarcus Aldridge added 31 points and 15 rebounds, shooting 12-of-18 in 38 minutes. This was the 10th career 30-point, 15-rebound game for Aldridge but his first as a Spur. Even though they are in the shadows, the two superstars comprise arguably the most lethal two-way 1-2 punch in the league.
POWERFUL POWELL
This is no longer a hot streak or trend with Norman Powell. Elite play on both ends is becoming a “norm” for Powell. Being guarded by the reigning defensive player of the year in Leonard, Powell had 17 points, three rebounds and two assists, shooting 6-of-10 and 4-of-5 from the line. Powell is the prototypical “3-and-D” player. He takes good shots, is efficient on the offensive end and makes life tough for opponents on the defensive end.
Don’t expect the clock to strike midnight with Powell any time soon. He’s proven that he belongs.
HOMECOMING AWAY FROM HOME FOR JOSEPH
Despite the loss, it was a feel-good homecoming for Cory Joseph. Joseph spent four years with the Spurs, winning a title in San Antonio in 2014. Joseph got an ovation from the crowd when he was announced as a starter Saturday night. Joseph went on to rack up 16 points and seven assists, shooting 8-of-15 with a steal in 32 minutes.
After the game, each member of the Spurs team and coaching staff came over to Cory to show their appreciation for his time in San Antonio.
JOSEPH THE BLUEPRINT FOR WRIGHT
Joseph getting the start meant Delon Wright moved up the depth chart and received minutes as the back-up point guard. Fellow 2015 Raptors draft pick Norman Powell has shown he was ready for his opportunity and Wright followed suit.
A great comparable for Wright is Joseph. Coming into the league with a limited offensive game, Joseph willingly went to the Spurs’ NBA Development League affiliate in Austin to work on his game. Just a few years later he’s gone from trying to prove his worth in the league to an NBA champion and contributor on one of the league’s best teams.
Similarly, Wright has used the Raptors 905 experience to hone his craft. Instead of a DNPCD Saturdyy, Wright scored 12 points, four rebounds and three assists, hitting on 5-of-8 from the field in 24 minutes off the bench. Wright’s steady performance in a hostile environment was the best sign in the Raptors’ loss.
SUPER STAT
The Spurs improved to 39-0 at home Saturday with their franchise record 64th win this season. The five previous years San Antonio has won 60 or more games they’ve gone on to win the championship twice.