Los Angeles — Raptor’s bench outscored 61-12 in come from behind Lakers win
The Raptors came out in the first quarter like a team ready to make a statement. After controversial back to back losses to the Nuggets and Clippers, they clearly wanted to show team captain Fred VanVleet they got his back. VanVleet of course had some harsh words for a certain referee and while some agree with his $30k statement, others were concerned how the officials would call their next game.
Reality quickly set in as a four point first quarter lead turned into an eight point deficit at half. The Lakers turn around didn’t come from the expected Anthony Davis who was clearly frustrated by the Raptors defence all night, being held to just 8 points on 4-7 shooting. The Lakers instead put this game in the hands of their bench.
The Raptors didn’t go down without a fight however. Second year star in waiting Scottie Barnes had his best offensive game of his young career going 13-19 from the field and finishing with 32 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists. Fellow front court favourite O.G. Anunoby also had a great game with a very efficient 31 points on 12-14 shooting.
The really big difference in this game came in the fourth quarter, as it usually does in today’s NBA. Starting the quarter up five, the Raptors needed to bear down on defence and make shots. As has been the case in many of the games this season…they did not. Instead big plays down the stretch by Dennis Schroder (23 points), Austin Reaves (18 points) and timely shooting from D’Angelo Russell (28 points) proved to be too much.
Missing in Action: The Raptors bench was outscored 61-12 in this game, lead by Gary Trent Jr. 0-9 zero points performance. Mamma said there would be days like this. It happens to the best of us. An off night, I just hate when it happens on an otherwise good offensive night. If I started the night by telling you the Raptors would shoot 50% from the field a hair under 36% from three and hold Anthony Davis to 8 points. We are probably feeling pretty good. Until I told you the Lakers shot over 56% and over 43% from three and a perfect 19 for 19 from the free throw line. The question remains…what happened to the Raptors defence and where can we find it.
Fluent Finale:
Will Barton scored five points after returning from a one game absence and trade deadline acquisition Jakob Poeltl again played well with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Mo Bamba may be out until the post season for the Lakers with a high ankle sprain. Lakers head coach Darvin Ham said they haven’t decided if they will sign a backup for the stretch run.
Now you’re more fluent.