The Toronto Raptors tripped the Portland Trail Blazers 110-98 at the Moda Center tonight, ending the home team’s winning streak at four games. Sandro Mamukelashvili led the way for the visitors with 22
points, while Jrue Holiday and Shaedon Sharpe scored 21 apiece for the Blazers.
Player of the Game
It seems crazy to say this, but Deni Advija may have been the player of the game tonight even though his balky back kept him on the sidelines. As soon as he was ruled out, the dominant question became whether or not the Blazers would be able to compensate for the loss. Unfortunately, the answer was “not this time.” It was not for lack of trying, though. Toumani Camara (16 points), Donovan Clingan (13 points and 16 rebounds) joined Shaedon and Jrue in a spirited effort that came up short.
Stat of the Night
The Blazers normally dominate in the offensive rebounding category, and they had an edge of 14-10 in this one. Unfortunately, the Raptors got five of theirs in the last quarter alone to blunt a stout Blazer comeback effort.
What We Noticed
Jerami Grant struggled to carry the extra weight of Deni’s absence. Fighting his own return from injury and supposedly under a minutes restriction, he came up with 8 points on 2-8 shooting, 0-5 on threes, 4-6 on free throws, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 turnovers, 1 steal, and 1 block in his 26 minutes. Not the Jerami we are accustomed to seeing this season.
Also, the bench was lighter than usual this time out: Portland’s reserves outscored Toronto’s 24-23, but without Deni on the floor the need from the bench was a lot greater tonight.
Up Next
The Blazers drop in on the Washington Wizards Tuesday Jan. 23 for a tussle starting at 4pm Pacific.
