By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Despite trailing most of the way, a strong fourth quarter pushed the Toronto Raptors to the win, 104-99, versus the Brooklyn Nets and a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven first-round NBA playoffs series.
The latest solid Orlando bubble showing for Fred VanVleet got him 24 points alongside ten assists and five rebounds. Norman Powell also scored 24 points, Kyle Lowry added 21, and Pascal Siakam 19.
A struggling offense was combined with the “W” but was not equally kind to the three European stars of the defending champions. Serge Ibaka had eight points, six rebounds, one assist, and one block, British defensive ace OG Anunoby six points, five rebounds, two steals, two blocks, and one assist, and Marc Gasol no points, four rebounds, and two assists.
Failing to gain full control even in the last minute, the Raptors overcame a focused Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot and his last-ditch three with 40 seconds left. The French swingman cut the lead to three points, 102-99, but his side subsequently missed a chance to force overtime. He produced 17 points behind 6/16 field goals, two rebounds, and two steals in a rare starting gig.
Luwawu-Cabarrot starting dropped Latvian Rodions Kurucs to reserve status. He was held to two points, two rebounds, and one block. Bosnian Dzanan Musa did not play.
Garrett Temple led the losing side with 21 points. Caris LeVert threw in a 16-point, 11-assist double-double. However, signs of fatigue down the stretch prevented the shorthanded Nets from knotting up the series.
Game 3 is scheduled to open Friday’s four-game evening. Game 4 will follow Sunday.
Prior to Game 2, the Raptors announced that Oshae Brissett left the bubble to undergo a medical procedure to clean out loose bodies in his right knee.
Photo Credit: Getty Images