By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Marc Gasol and OG Anunoby contributed to the Toronto Raptors beating the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday. The defensive effort was key for the “W”, both European NBA stars agreed via video-call following the match.
“I am not surprised,” said the Spaniard center who started and registered 25 minutes, “The coaches do a great job giving us a great game plan. We have a bunch of professional players that execute very well.”
After stopping the Lakers at 92 points, seven more seeding games are left for the Raptors. They improved to 47-18 and strengthened their hold on the second spot of the Eastern Conference.
“It’s a work in progress,” said Gasol on his team moving forward in the Orlando bubble with the playoffs approaching, “Either you start good or bad, you will continue to build. We will continue getting better.”
The NBA veteran posted eight points, seven rebounds, and two assists. His younger teammate Anunoby combined defending LeBron James with 23 points of his own earning praise from Kyle Lowry who scored a team-high 33 points and grabbed 14 rebounds.
“It means a lot to me,” mentioned the British forward regarding Lowry. “Experience helps and studying more films,” he added referring to his latest matchup versus the 3-times NBA champion, 16-times All-Star.