Toronto — Raptors ride fast start and hand Nuggets 4th straight loss 125-110
The Raptors remember the one that got away in Denver, who are now winless since that March 6th home victory over the Raptors. The now struggling Nuggets allowed a new franchise record for Toronto with 49 first quarter points. That was enough for a 19 point lead and the outcome never seemed in questions. Yes the Nuggets went on a run and brought it within three but even then, the crowd at Scotia Bank Arena didn’t seemed phased, neither was the Raptors leader Fred VanVleet.
“Freddie called an incredible game tonight,” Raptors coach Nick Nurse said. “He really had us incredibly organized. He found a bunch of little wrinkles.”
Wrinkles that lead to VanVleet’s game high 36 and O.G. Anunoby’s 24 point night. The Raptors defence stepped up as well. Don’t let the box score fool you because it could be deceiving. Nikola Jokic scored 28 points with 8 rebounds and 7 assists, Michael Porter Jr. added 23 and Aaron Gordon had 18 in a losing cause.
It was the least impressive 28-8-7 performance I think I’ve every witnessed. It looked good on paper and was very efficient but looked lifeless in person.
“Right now we’re just in chill mode, and you can’t be in chill mode with 13 games to go in the season,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. “We’ve got to try to find a way to get our swagger back.”
Fluent Finale: The passes still had zip and flair. They still received the “WOWS!” from the stands but is this the NBA’s MVP? Not in my eyes, not if you watched both ends of the floor tonight. Something we should all do more of.
Now you’re more fluent!