Monday, Jan 31, 2022. 9:45 PM
(Update : Monday, Jan 31, 2022. 11:29 PM)
The Toronto Raptors regrouped in the third quarter to hold off the Atlanta Hawks with a 106-100 win on Monday.
The Hawks were on a hot streak having won their previous seven games. They had every intention of continuing this streak by having taken control 57 to 48 after two quarters.
Nick Nurse‘s squad rebounded strongly on their return from the locker room with a 10-game point streak to turn the tables. Gary Trent Jr. has been a major reason for the Raptors’ recent success, and he’s stood out again against the Hawks. He fired an off-balance downtown basket as the third quarter siren sounded to close with a 32-15 dominance of Toronto in the first 12 minutes of the second half of the game.
“At the half, the coaches showed the guys streaks of six types of play that hurt us, and that we’re used to better countering,” said head coach Nick Nurse.
“It’s the little things that cause a chain reaction. We did a little more blitzing, which earned us some turnovers. »
“We made more permutations in defense, we cut passing angles, made sure to act faster here and there. We have taken away some leeway from them. »
Trent Jr. finished the game with a career-high nine downtown shots and 31 points.
“This guy shoots very difficult shots,” said Pascal Siakam. It’s his bread and butter. He plays extremely well. »
Siakam just scored 25 points and Fred VanVleet also stood out with 16 points and 11 assists. Chris Boucher was limited to three points, but he had seven rebounds in just under 21 minutes of play.
It must be said that the Hawks were without the services of their star player Trae Young who is annoyed by a shoulder injury. In his absence, Kevin Huerter amassed 26 points. Center Clint Capela was limited to six points and eight rebounds in the loss.
The Raptors will be back in action on Tuesday with a matchup against the No. 1 East Miami Heat.
Elsewhere in the NBA
Pelicans 90 – Cavaliers 93
NOP: Devonte Graham scored 20 points
CLE: Cedi Osman was limited to 7 points, but 12 assists
Clippers 116 – Pacers 122
LAC: double of 14 points and 11 rebounds from Serge Ibaka
IND: Isaiah Johnson did even better with 26 points and 10 rebounds
Grizzlies 119 – 76ers 122 (prol.)
Grizzlies 119 – 76ers 122
MEM: Ja Morant shone with 37 points
PHI: Tyrese Maxey was also impressive with 33 points
Heat 92 – Celtics 122
MIA: Max Strus scored 27 points
BOS: doubled 20 points and 12 rebounds for Jayson Tatum
Kings 96 – Knicks 116
SAC: 21 points and 8 assists for Tyrese Haliburton
NYK: RJ Barrett was limited to 11 points
Warriors 122 – Rockets 108
GSW: Steph Curry finished with 7 downtown shots and 40 points
HOU: Christian Wood had 24 points and 13 rebounds
Trail Blazers 81 – Thunder 98
POR: CJ McCollum got 21 points
OKC: Luguentz Dort had an 18-point game
