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Thu Nov 21, 2019 10:46 am
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TORONTO -- DeMar DeRozan is playing the part of the all-star perfectly. Mike Zunino Jersey . In Torontos last game before the NBA all-star break this weekend, DeRozan, who was named a reserve on the Eastern Conference team, scored 31 points -- including 14 in the third quarter -- to lead the Raptors over the Atlanta Hawks 104-83 on Wednesday. Raptors coach Dwane Casey says hes been pleased with his all-stars constant improvements. "Hes done a great job every year of getting better," Casey said. "I know he wont (get complacent), because hes such a conscientious (guy). Hes a basketball junkie. I dont see him taking time off this summer just because he made the all-star team." Kyle Lowry delivered another solid performance, scoring 16 points and 13 assists. While he wont be heading to New Orleans for all-star festivities, Lowrys strong play this season has helped Toronto go into the break leading the Atlantic Division for just the second time in franchise history. "Kyles an all-star on and off the court in my opinion," DeRozan said. "My opinion, he should be in New Orleans as well. We wouldnt be where we are today if it wasnt for Kyle. I wouldnt be where I am now if it wasnt for Kyle, to be honest. We all understand that." Patrick Patterson started for the Raptors in place of Amir Johnson, who missed his second consecutive game to rest a sore right ankle, and scored 14 points in his second start of the season. While the Raptors got off to a slow start on Wednesday night, they found themselves trailing by only five after the first quarter, despite shooting just 29 per cent from the floor. They woke up in the second quarter and took a 45-44 lead into the half. Toronto had a strong start to the third quarter, opening on a 7-0 run to take an eight-point lead and force the Hawks into a timeout. The Raptors didnt look back from there. Thanks to a brilliant quarter from DeRozan, the Raptors stretched their lead to double figures midway through the third and outscored the Hawks 33-21 to take a 78-65 advantage into the fourth quarter. After scoring 11 points in the first half, DeRozan exploded for 14 in the quarter, on 5-for-6 shooting including two three-pointers and a three-point play. Toronto continued to dominate in the fourth quarter and easily rolled to the victory from there. "I commend our guys for coming out and focusing in the second half," Casey said. Point guard Greivis Vasquez says he saw the victory as part of an overall goal that extends beyond this regular season. "(Were) third in the East, leading our division," Vasquez said. "If thats not a motivation then youve got to get the heck out of here. You dont see these opportunities very often. Were committed to the team and we understand what were playing for. "We want to be third. We want to win our division. We want to make a run in the playoffs but weve got to finish the season strong and keep building confidence." The Hawks were led by Gustavo Ayons 18 points and 10 rebounds, with Paul Millsap adding 17 points. Torontos Jonas Valanciunas struggled from the floor, connecting on just 1-for-9 field goals, but grabbed a game-high 14 rebounds. Atlanta was without starter DeMarre Carroll after he strained his left hamstring in a 100-85 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday. Lou Williams started in his place. Kyle Korver extended his NBA record for most consecutive games with a made three-point field goal to 120 games, connecting on 2-of-4 attempts from beyond the arc against the Raptors. The Raptors will resume their season in Washington against the Wizards next Tuesday. Toronto will send three players to New Orleans for all-star festivities, headlined by DeRozan playing in Sundays all-star Game as well as in the skills competition on Saturday night. Terrence Ross will defend his Slam Dunk title and Jonas Valanciunas will represent the team in the Rising Stars game between the leagues best rookie and sophomore players. NOTE: Canadian snowboarder Mark McMorris was at the game, and the Regina native showed off the bronze medal he won at the Sochi Olympics. Trevor Richards Rays Jersey . The closer wasnt available. The road trip, a disaster to that point. Nate Lowe Jersey . -- Jake Peavy arrived at Bostons spring training complex on Monday with a large white bandage covering his left index finger, the result of a weekend accident. https://www.cheapraysonline.com/1526i-ji-man-choi-jersey-rays.html . The league-leading New York Rangers outhit and outmuscled the Maple Leafs during a 3-0 victory on Saturday. Backup goalie Martin Biron stopped all 20 shots he faced to complete a nice workmanlike effort by the visitors.Everton remain poised to name Ronald Koeman as their new manager, although the deal now seems unlikely to be confirmed until next week. A compensation package, worth in the region of £5m, has been agreed between Everton and Koemans current club Southampton but the Dutchman is still away on holiday, which is delaying the final ratification of the deal.Koeman is due back in the country on Sunday evening and hopes remain high that a deal will be confirmed on Monday or, at the very least, early next week. Two of Koemans backroom staff at Southampton - his brother Erwin and Jan Kluitenberg - are expected to make the move with the former Feyenoord manager.There were also reports that Southampton were trying to insert a clause into the deal that would see Everton unable to go for any of the Saints players were Koeman to take over at Goodison, but Sky Sports News HQ understands that has never been part of the negotiations. Ajax keeper Jasper Cillessen has been linked with Everton The delay in appointing Koeman has not stopped Everton being linked with numerous players, most recently another Dutchman in Ajax goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen. Jalen Beeks Jersey. Cillessen, according to the Daily Mirror, was identified by former boss Roberto Martinez as a replacement for Tim Howard, who has left the club to join MLS side Colorado Rapids.The Netherlands international, who has 30 senior caps, could cost the Premier League side £12m, the Mirror reports. Also See: Everton must deliver now Gibson commits to Everton Stones is Englands future Everton to miss out on Monchi ' ' ' |
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