Tip of the Tower
Fansided

Raptors Overcome Sloppy Start to Beat Grizzlies, 120-105

By Chris Okrainetz

Nov 30, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Patrick Patterson (54) reacts after hitting a three-point shot against the Memphis Grizzlies at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Grizzlies 120-105. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Patrick Patterson (54) reacts after hitting a three-point shot against the Memphis Grizzlies at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Grizzlies 120-105. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Despite a slow start that was filled with turnovers, the Toronto Raptors (12-6) fought their way back to beat the injury ravaged Memphis Grizzlies (11-8), 120-105.

VS.
1234T
Raptors25303431120
Grizzlies28292523105

Thoughts and Observations

  • Before I get into thoughts and observations about the game, Toronto Raptors legend Vince Carter made his annual appearance at the Air Canada Centre on Wednesday night in what could be the last time fans ever see Vinsanity in uniform at the ACC. Although he didn’t play in the contest, which was disappointing, I still can’t help but think about all the great moments VC had in a Raptors uniform. Anyways, before I get too nostalgic here, it was fun to reflect back on all those memories Carter created during my childhood and I’m sure I’m not the only one who felt this way. But, onto the game itself!

    • Turnovers plagued the Raptors throughout this game and the team finished with a season-high 20 turnovers, which led to 18 Memphis points. The Raptors did a better job of taking care of the ball in the second half, but all the earlier turnovers (11 in the first half) made the first three quarters very difficult.

    More from Tip of the Tower

  • Patrick Patterson, who finished with a double-double (14 points, 13 rebounds), and DeMarre Carroll each hit a clutch three down the stretch to help the Raptors pull away from the pesky Grizzlies. Considering how many threes we’ve seen these two miss during the fourth quarter of games, particularly in crunch time, it was a pleasant sight to see both of them convert late.
  • Marc Gasol subbed from the game midway through the fourth quarter and Dwane Casey deployed an extra small lineup that featured four guards around Patterson. The move paid huge dividends for the Raptors as they went on a 10-5 run and created a 12-point lead with 4:07 remaining.

    • I’m a big fan of the Raptors playing small ball and I hope we see more of it going forward. This roster has a ton of athletes on it and they can use their speed to create offensive opportunities in transition.

  • Cory Joseph was an integral part of that small ball lineup and he was great off the bench. He controlled the pace of the game and regularly abused rookie point guard Wade Baldwin when he drove to the rim. He’s had a slow start to the season, but perhaps we’re finally seeing the CoJo we’re all accustomed too.

    • Lucas Nogueira looks like he will be a long-term work in progress. Yes, he crashes the glass and has a knack for finishing around the rim, but his defensive awareness makes him a constant liability. He committed a wreckless foul against Gasol on three separate occasions and it looks like the Raptors will be forced to use him as a matchup based player when they take on the better teams in the Association.

  • Terrence Ross was off on Wednesday, hitting just one of his five attempts from three.
    • Andrew Harrison

    ,

    Troy Daniels

    and Gasol did all they could to carry the Grizzlies, combining for 58 of Memphis’ 105 points, but the team just couldn’t overcome their slew of injuries and the fatigue of playing with nine players appeared to set in late. You gotta tip your hat to their effort, though. The Grizz were tough on the Raps all night.

    RBX (Raptors Bandwagon Exchange)

    • Buy: After hauling in a season-high 13 rebounds, and burying a dagger three with two minutes left to put the Raptors up by 15, I’ll buy some stock in Patterson. P-Patt was great off the bench and he provided Toronto with a few timely buckets. Joseph was great too, so I’ll buy some CoJo stock as well.
    • Sell: I guess I’m selling some Bebe stock here? I say that reluctantly because I don’t know how high it was in the first place, but I’m sure his defensive deficiencies have lowered his value.

    Three Stars of the Night

    1. Kyle Lowry: he finished with a game-high 29 points, was 4-of-7 from three, and was his typical KLOE self down the stretch.
    2. Patrick Patterson: Double-P quietly put together a double-double in 30 minutes off the bench and he delivered for the Raptors every time they needed it.
    3. DeMar DeRozan: he only went 6-of-9 from the field, but DeRozan still managed to finish the game with 24 points. He went 10-of-11 from the free throw line and even managed to go 2-of-3 from behind the arc.

    Statline of the Night

    16-of-32

    The Raptors were red hot from three on Wednesday, making a season-high 16 three-pointers. After struggling from the perimeter earlier on this season, it’s great to see Toronto figure things out from behind the arc.

    What’s Next

    The Raptors will welcome the Los Angeles Lakers (10-10) to the Air Canada Centre on Friday night. The young Lakers own a .500 record this season and have been an entertaining team to watch with D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle and Brandon Ingram highlighting what could be a promising future out in Tinseltown.

    Next: DeMar DeRozan, the Mid-Range Dynamo

    What did you think of the Raptors 120-105 victory over the Grizzlies? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

    Home/Toronto Raptors