Toronto Raptors

atldparada

Dejounte Murray finishes with 24 PTS, 10 REB, and 7 AST in Hawks 123-121 loss vs Raptors

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Dejounte Murray finishes with 24 PTS, 10 REB, and 7 AST in Hawks loss vs Raptors

Saddiq Bey scores game-winning dunk to cap off his 26 PTS-13 REB double-double in Hawks 126-125 Win vs. Raptors

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Saddiq Bey scores game-winning putback dunk in Hawks Win vs. Raptors

Trae Young drops 38 PTS, 11 AST and 7 3PM in Hawks 125-104 Win vs. Toronto

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Trae Young drops 38 PTS, 11 AST, and 7 3PM in Hawks Win in Toronto

Trae Young scores 35 points and 17 assists in Hawks 135-128 loss at Toronto

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Trae Young scores 35 points and 17 assists in Hawks loss at Toronto

atlcachubb

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Hawks Drop Contest to Raptors in Toronto

atljwilson

There wasn't much to cheer about for most of the night with the Toronto Raptors going up as many as 19.  But Atlanta made their pattened late comeback attempt, spoiling the Raptors' lead almost completely before bowing out.

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Fans Get Behind Comeback Attempt

atljtaylor

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Late Game Surge Not Enough as Hawks Drop Season Opener in Toronto

The Atlanta Hawks return 86 percent of the team's minutes played from a season ago.  The only team in the East with a higher percentage?  The Toronto Raptors.

Toronto returns all five starters from last year, added to their bench in the offseason and plays with an unselfish and steady pace.  If that sounds like Atlanta, that's because it is.  And Coach Bud sees that too.

"I think there are a lot of similarities," Budenholzer said. "Both teams brought a majority of their rosters back, and I think there's a lot of confidence and belief in both teams. And they're looking to take the next step."

Bud acknowledges the Raptors' prowess on both ends of the floor but says it starts with their defense.

"They're a very good defensive team.  They have a lot of individuals who are good defenders, and team-wise they do a good job.  They're tough and physical."

The Raptors' offensive attack starts with their explosive backcourt.

"DeMar DeRozan can score a lot of points in a lot of different ways. Kyle Lowry's good in the pick-and-roll, and their bigs are physical and can hurt you on the offensive glass."