Tip of the Tower
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Raptors Report: DeMar DeRozan, Raptors Conquer Miami Heat 96-87

By Demar Grant

Nov 4, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) drives for a basket past Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) in the second half at Air Canada Centre. DeRozan scored 34 points in a 96-87 win for Toronto. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) drives for a basket past Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) in the second half at Air Canada Centre. DeRozan scored 34 points in a 96-87 win for Toronto. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Another huge 34 point game from DeMar DeRozan propels the Toronto Raptors to glory (4-1) as they vanquish the Miami Heat (2-3), 96-87.

VS.
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Raptors2527232196
Heat2719261587

Thoughts and Observations

  • DeMar DeRozan is the first player to score 30 points or more in five consecutive games to start the season since Michael Jordan.
  • Pascal Siakam‘s jumpshot is in full effect. Teams are leaving Siakam by himself when he plays with the starters  so he’s taking a jump shot when exiled. It’s not going in but he’s at least taking it.
    • Terrence Ross

    is becoming the boss. Excellent game off the bench for T-Ross logging 20 points in 20 minutes. He’s finally confident in his abilities and it’s shining through his play. His jump shot is falling and his defense is active, which is everything the team wants from Ross moving forwards.

    More from Tip of the Tower

    Last year the Raptors’ bench was one of their biggest strengths and it continues to be this season. The bench saved the Raptors from getting down big in the Wizards game and they did the same against the Heat when faced with an 11 point lead.

    Jumping while passing is a cardinal sin in basketball and DeRozan keeps repeating it. He doesn’t turn the ball over often but when he does it’s due to his jump passing.

    Some teams thrive when players are splayed out on the floor, the ball is loose and there are wild three-on-threes. The Raptors are not one of them.

  • The Kyle Lowry Decline might be real. Lots of drives get rim and no net, and his jumper continues to wane.
  • Jakob Poeltl is finding his way. His effort has not gone unnoticed as coach Dwane Casey gave Poeltl extended run against the Heat. He’s finally realizing his role offensively. He’s a worthy screener and is exceptional on the offensive glass, a true Toronto Raptors center.

    • The Raptors are finally finding Siakam on the break. He constantly beats people down the floor but the team is just starting to find him streaking to the rim

    RBX (Raptors Bandwagon Exchange)

    • Buy: it may be a little expensive at the moment but Poeltl is a worthy investment. He’s a true centre for a team that was worried there wouldn’t be a replacement for Bismack Biyombo. The hype train continues. Norman Powell saw extended minutes and will probably see more as DeMarre Carroll isn’t playing very well. Powell provides the same defensive support as Carroll, but he’s just shorter. If Ross continues to play well and Carroll plays worse, there could be a shift in the minutes distribution.
    • Sell: Sell the Ross stock now my friends. If the past is any real indication this is peak T-Ross before he goes 1-for-3 the next game. It’s blasphemous, but don’t be afraid to dish off those Lowry shares. Nobody is talking about it but he hasn’t played well since the season started.

    Statline of the Night

    20 points in 20 minutes

    Ross’ contract extension kicked in this year and now that he is flushed with cash he has finally evolved into the player fans have all wanted him to be. He’s a full-fledged gunner now. Ross killed the Heat but he wasn’t doing anything extraordinary, he just hit all the shots that were available to him ,especially in the the first half where he registered 16 of his 20 points.

    What’s Next

    The Raptors don’t play again until Sunday when the Sacramento Kings come to town. The Kings have struggled since their inception but this year has been a particularly tumultuous start.

    They’re coming off a terrible loss to the highly questionable Orlando Magic, falling to 2-4, so they’ll be looking to make a statement against a premier team in the league. DeMarcus Cousins (baby Shaq) is a player that loves a challenge and JV has been surfacing as a feature in the Raptors’ offence. There is going to be a clash on the boards with lots of fouls and it’s guaranteed, someone is getting a technical.

    Next: Raptors vs Wizards: 3 Stars of the Night

    Rudy Gay is making a return to Toronto too. But years have passed and the emotion between the fans and him are gone. The Raptors are a 50-win team now making the Eastern Conference finals, the Rudy Gay era is but a decaying memory.

     

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