Toronto Raptors: Spurs win impressive, no matter who played

By Paul Taylor | Jan 20, 2018

MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 22: Head Coach Dwane Casey of the Toronto Raptors yells from the sidelines during the first half against the Milwaukee Bucks of Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at the BMO Harris Bradley Center on April 22, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) /

Kyle Lowry and the Toronto Raptors hold on for a hard-earned, low-scoring win over the San Antonio Spurs at the Air Canada Centre.

The Toronto Raptors fought and scrapped their way to a 86-83 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. In many respects, they played the type of game Friday night’s opponent has been well-known for over the years.

Whether you view the win as impressive or not, really comes down to perspective. On the one hand, the Raptors faced a Spurs side without the injured trio of Kawhi Leonard, Manu Ginobili and Rudy Gay.

Tony Parker seems like a shadow of his former self this season, due to injury and the inevitable decline that comes with age. And of course, there is no longer any Tim Duncan to call on to save the day.

However, this is still a team which is coached by one of the best of all time, in Gregg Popovich. Plus, they’re still doing pretty damn well when it comes to the standings, as evidenced by a 30-16 record entering Friday night.

We’re going to go with the latter perception and take a positive outlook. Any time you can get a win over the Spurs it’s a good day, especially considering the Toronto Raptors had lost their last four against them and have an overall record head-to-head of just 12-32. (And no, Popovich hasn’t been coach for EVERY San Antonio win!)

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Ultimately, you can only beat the players on the other side of the court, no matter who’s in the lineup. Regardless, there was still plenty to like at the Air Canada Centre on Friday night.

For example, Kyle Lowry hadn’t quite been himself shooting the rock, since returning from his three-game absence with a bruised tailbone. However, he got back on track against the Spurs, going 8-of-16 from the floor and scoring a game-high 24 points.

Coach Dwane Casey complimented his point guard, while also second-guessing himself. As reported by Doug Smith of the Toronto Star, Casey said:

"“I thought he had some bounce going downhill in the first half. I thought they had a good run going into the third quarter, (I) maybe left him in a little bit too long; (he) normally comes out (with) two and a half (minutes left in the quarter) but I thought he had a lot of bounce.”"

DeMar DeRozan, fresh off his fourth All-Star selection, added 21 points. In addition, he continued his evolution into a more well-rounded player, with his own game-high of six assists.

And Jonas Valanciunas notched his fifth double-double in eight games, scoring 15 and grabbing 11 boards. Heck, he even added a three-pointer! (To be fair, Valanciunas does have a .381 three-point shooting percentage on the season, from 21 attempts.)

Casey made sure to praise the affable Lithuanian afterwards. As reported by the Toronto Sun‘s Frank Zicarelli, the Raptors coach talked about Valanciunas’ improved confidence:

"“He’s understanding the situation. I thought he did an excellent job on (LaMarcus) Aldridge who has been on a tear. Most important thing is that he did without fouling. He kept his feet, moved his feet, used his arms, the right way."

The undermanned Spurs did well all things considered and held their own, but they struggled offensively, thanks to the combination of their lack of quality bodies and the Raptors’ excellent defensive play. The end result was a 34 shooting percentage for the visitors, which represented their second-worst effort of the season.

0verall, the significance of this win for the Toronto Raptors should not be underestimated, as they remain in touch with the Boston Celtics. The victory could mean everything, when it comes to the top of the Eastern Conference at the end of the regular season.

Next: DeRozan's All-Star selection speaks volumes

Who impressed you most for the Toronto Raptors on Friday night? Does the win over the Spurs give you confidence in their ability to go far in the playoffs, or do you see it as not having much baring whatsoever? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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