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Game Rap: Raptors 93, Clippers 73

Holly MacKenzie - Raptors.com

It Was Over When

Kyle Lowry checked out of the game with 3:59 remaining in the third quarter and the Raptors holding a 68-50 lead. Led by Lowry's 13-point third quarter Toronto blew the game open as they outscored Los Angeles 37-28 in the third. The Raptors didn’t look back in the fourth and fans in Vancouver were able to enjoy a 93-73 blowout win against the Clippers.

Rookie Debut

Thanks to a 15-point lead going into the fourth, rookies Norman Powell and Delon Wright were able to make their NBA debuts. Wright was scoreless in eight minutes, but added two rebounds and an assist while Powell played 10 minutes, scored six points and added a steal.

Raptors Player Of The Game

Kyle Lowry showed off a trim physique as he scored a game-high 26 points on 7-for-10 field goals. Lowry made 11 of 12 free throws and added two assists and two steals in 22 minutes of action where he looked like the best player on the floor.

Underrated Raptors Player Of The Game

Terrence Ross showed off his skills on the defensive end of the floor, playing active defence and getting into the passing lanes for four steals to go along with a block, two assists, a rebound and six points. It was a big return for Ross who underwent ankle surgery over the offseason and spent the end of summer rehabbing.

That’s a Rap…

“I think defensively we were great. We can get a little better, but that’ll come with time and rhythm. Offensively we were a little stagnant, but we really have’t practiced offence too much in training camp. That’ll come, but defensively I think we were great.” - DeMarre Carroll on the team’s effort on the defensive end of the floor

By the #’s

21

…The Raptors had 21 turnovers, but the Clippers managed to outdo them by recording 25 turnovers in their second game of the preseason.

14

…Players logging minutes for the Raptors in their preseason debut.

12

…Rebounds for Jonas Valanciunas as Toronto outrebounded Los Angeles 48-33 in the victory.

38

…Percent shooting for the Clippers who made just 27 of 71 field goal attempts. The Raptors finished the game shooting 43 percent from the floor as they connected on 31 of 73 field goals.

80

…Percent shooting from the free throw line for the Raptors who made 29 of 36 attempts in comparison to just 14 makes on 20 attempts for the Clippers.

12

…Steals for Toronto, six for Los Angeles. The Raptors also doubled the Clippers in blocks, with six blocked shots to three for L.A.

They said it…

“I think we played a good game overall. It’s the first preseason game, so it doesn’t mean much, but we’ve got a few new guys so it’s a good thing that we could play well and introduce new guys to a new system for them and do those things as quickly as possible.” - Luis Scola on the importance of preseason

“It was amazing. They really took us in like we were in Toronto. The support was unbelievable. Traveling around the city, the city is beautiful, the fans were crazy today. I had a great time.” - Cory Joseph on Vancouver and the Vancouver crowd

“We were helping one another, we were talking. We were defending the goal. Every shot they shot was a contested shot. That’s all you can ask for in the NBA, a contested shot. I think we did really good. We’ve got to go back and look at the film, we might think we did good, but we’ve got to go back and look at the film.” - DeMarre Carroll

“I think we did well defensively. I think we did our jobs. We got to our spots. Our communication has to get a little better, but I think it’s a good start for us.” - Kyle Lowry’s assessment of the team defence

“I’m a little sore so I’m going to sit out tomorrow and let the young guys get some reps.” - Lowry looking ahead to Monday’s game against the Warriors

Up Next

The Raptors will fly to Los Angles where they will face the Golden State Warriors on Monday night at 10:30 ET in San Jose.