By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Toronto Raptors took down the Miami Heat, 107-103, in the opening game of Monday’s five-game NBA schedule. The outcome prevented the Milwaukee Bucks from clinching first place in the Eastern Conference.
Fred VanVleet guided his side to the “W” with a career-high 36 points. The Wichita State alum was 8/16 from the field including seven shots beyond the arc that tied his NBA-best.
On to the European contribution, Serge Ibaka put up 15 points plus six rebounds off the bench. Starters OG Anunoby and Marc Gasol and combined for 13 more points, seven and six, respectively.
Key defensive efforts down the stretch bumped the Raptors to 48-18 and 2-0 in the Orlando bubble. Up next are the Orlando Magic on Wednesday.
Slovenian Goran Dragic was among the bright spots in a rough shooting afternoon for the Heat with a team-high 25 points he complimented with five rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block.
The Heat, 42-25, will be back in action on Tuesday versus the Boston Celtics.
Photo Credit: Toronto Raptors