Monday, November 26, 2018

Individual grades from win against Miami Heat

TORONTO, ON – NOVEMBER 25: Delon Wright #55 of the Toronto Raptors keeps the ball inbounds as Justice Winslow #20 of the Miami Heat looks on during the second half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on November 25, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

The Toronto Raptors pushed their Q3 lead to 26 points. Despite a heroic Miami Heat comeback, the final was Raptors 125 – Heat 115.

The Toronto Raptors continued their most annoying habit of allowing their opponents back into games which should be over. A huge second-half lead was in danger of being frittered away. However, the return of Toronto’s starters halfway through Q4 put an end to the Miami Heat’s dream of a miracle comeback, and the Raptors prevailed.

As the Washington win should be credited to the second unit, this one goes to the starters. Every one save Danny Green hit double figures in points, with Kawhi Leonard leading the scoring parade with 29. The front court of Jonas Valanciunas and Pascal Siakam missed three shots between them.

Kyle Lowry punished the Heat for not hustling back on defense, by lobbing outlet passes over their heads for easy Raptors scores.

Dwyane Wade came off the bench to provide a brilliant throwback performance, leading the Heat with 35 points. However, even he can only do so much at his age. His late shots were bad misses; clear-cut evidence of fatigue.

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