By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Toronto Raptors clinched second place in the Eastern Conference with the win, 108-99, over the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday.
Special game for Marc Gasol, his first against the organization he represented for over a decade. The 35-year-old Spaniard center helped his side improve to 50-19 with ten points, six rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block in 22 minutes.
Serge Ibaka knocked in 12-point, 12-rebound double-double plus three assists, three steals, and two blocks. OG Anunoby completed the European picture with six points, five rebounds, three steals, and one block. Pascal Siakam hit a couple of clutch threes for a game-high 26 points.
Jumping to a strong 4-1 in the Orlando bubble, the Canadian team achieved second place in the East, at the same time prevented the Grizzlies from clinching a play-in game in the West.
Starting center Jonas Valanciunas failed to score in 27 minutes but grabbed ten rebounds to go along with one assist, one steal, and one block. Marko Guduric did not play.
The Milwaukee Bucks follow for the Raptors on Monday. The Grizzlies, down 1-5 in the bubble and 33-38 overall, will be back in action on Tuesday versus the Boston Celtics.
Photo Credit: Getty Images