Toronto Raptors use a big second half to take down Philadelphia 76ers 107-95
The Raptors are finally at full strength and it showed Wednesday night at Scotiabank Arena.
While Toronto started their matchup against the 76ers very slowly the Raptors veteran squad was able to weather the storm.
Down 35-26 after the first quarter the Nick Nurse made adjustments.
Toronto went zone for much of the second quarter which aloud the Raptors to lead the Sixers 51-50 at the half.
In a back and forth second half the Raptors defence shined holding the Sixers to just 45 points.
It was a total team effort for Toronto as six players finished in double figures.
Fred VanVleet led the way for Toronto finishing with 22 points and 8 assists. VanVleet went 6 of 7 from three in the game good for 87.5%.
Steady Freddy put the Raptors on his back late hitting multiple big 3’s late to lift the team to victory.
The Raptors bench once again came up big.
Norman Powell and Serge Ibake had strong performances off the bench finishing with 18 points and 8 rebounds, and 16 points and 7 rebounds respectful
The Sixers were without the services of all-star centre Joel Embid and lost starting guard Josh Richardson to a hamstring injury just four minutes into the game.
While shorthanded the Sixers played a strong game running their offense through all-star Ben Simmons who finished with 17 points 10 rebounds and 8 assists.
Philadelphia’s length made it difficult for Toronto in this matchup forcing Toronto into 12 turnovers, but the Sixers certainly missed Embid.
Toronto outscored the Sixers in paint 52-20, while out rebounding Philly 53-45.
The Raptors will now head out on the road to take on the New York Knicks and Canadian R.J. Barrett at Madison Square Garden on Friday night.
Tip off is 7:30pm EST.
