Toronto Raptors Overcome Slow Start and Dismantle Orlando Magic, 109-79

Dec 18, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) and forward Terrence Ross (31) high five each other during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Toronto Raptors defeated the Orlando Magic 109-79. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) and forward Terrence Ross (31) high five each other during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Toronto Raptors defeated the Orlando Magic 109-79. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Despite another slow start, the Toronto Raptors (19-8) made light work of the Orlando Magic (12-17) on Sunday night and even made a new enemy in the process.

VS.
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Magic3021131579
Raptors23322925109

Thoughts and Observations

  • Remove the sloppy first quarter and the Toronto Raptors simply dominated the Orlando Magic on Sunday night, outscoring the Magic by double digits in every quarter but the first.
  • This was arguably the Raptors best defensive performance of the season. They put the clamps on Orlando in the second half and held them to 28 total points. Toronto was closing out on shooters, switching well and playing great team defence. I know the Magic aren’t the most high-octane offence in the league, but they have scored over 100 points in each of their last four games, so this was an impressive performance by the Raptors.

    Jodie Meeks

    Flagrant 1 foul on

    Kyle Lowry

    not only sparked words between the two guards, it also ignited the Raptors as they outscored the Magic 74-41 following the senseless cheap shot. I’m sure the Raptors faithful won’t forget Meeks’ performance anytime soon.

    Jonas Valanciunas

    put together another solid performance, which was highlighted by his 10 points and 10 rebounds in the second quarter. Considering Toronto’s offensive and defensive system, I’m cautiously optimistic with JV. His recent stretch of play is encouraging, though.

    More from Tip of the Tower

    One other JV note: it was great to see him keep the ball high and attack without hesitation. Too many times this season we’ve seen JV receive a pass, set his position, scan the offence, and eventually force Toronto to reset, or force him to make a sub-optimal decision with the ball.

  • DeMar DeRozan did not play at all in the fourth quarter, but he still finished the game with a team-high 31 points. DDR was fantastic in the first half and he was an offensive catalyst for Toronto, scoring 20 first half points.
  • Fred VanVleet played 23 minutes in this contest and, aside from a few possessions, he didn’t look out of place at all.
  • RBX (Raptors Bandwagon Exchange)

  • Buy: Like Demar Grant mentioned in our Raptors Report following Toronto’s previous game against the Atlanta Hawks, buy stock in Valanciunas. Again, I’m cautiously optimistic with JV, but his stock can only go up from where it currently sits.
  • Sell:

    I’m bullish on just about every Raptor right now, but I did see fans criticize

    DeMarre Carroll

    ‘s defence on Twitter during this game. Carroll is not the same player we saw in Atlanta, but he’s still an extremely useful wing player for the Raptors. However, I’d sell stock in his defence. “Senior Swag Daddy” is still a good defender, but the days of him being an

    elite

    defender are long gone.

    Three Stars of the Night

    1. DeMar DeRozan: 31 points in 30 minutes. 13-of-21 from the floor. Need I say more?
    2. Kyle Lowry: The Raptors were +24 when Lowry was on the floor and his unquestioned leadership was launched into the spotlight following Meeks’ shove.
    3. Jonas Valanciunas: JV had a strong second quarter, playing in all 12 minutes, and he put together a nice bounce-back performance following a quiet game against the Hawks.

    Statline of the Night

    20/28

    The Magic had 20 turnovers and the Raptors took advantage of Orlando’s mistakes, scoring 28 points off turnovers. Toronto has consistently found a way to create points off turnovers this season and Sunday night was no exception. VanVleet led the Raptors with three steals.

    What’s Next

    The Raptors will return home on Tuesday to take on the Brooklyn Nets (7-19) at the Air Canada Centre. The Nets have only won three of their last 17 games and have lost by double digits eight times during those games. In other words, the Nets are doing what you expected the Nets to do. #BrunoWatch should be in full effect Tuesday night.

    Next: Why the Raptors Need to Start Patterson

    What did you think of the Raptors 109-79 victory over the Magic? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.