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The team from the Big Easy made it look easy to dismantle an undermanned and completely overmatched Raptors team.
When the New Orleans Pelicans are able to showcase superior size, skill and shooting against a Toronto team without Scottie Barnes, a blowout becomes inevitable.
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And such was the case Tuesday night as the Raptors concluded their four-game homestand with a 139-98 loss to the Pels.
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When Zion Williamson is able to impose his will and play above the rim, when Brandon Ingram’s length and athleticism can’t be matched, the chances of the Raptors pulling off an upset are slim. When Trey Murphy III has a career scoring night, the odds of a victory go from slim to none.
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For the record, the Raptors got off to a good start when three-point shots dropped with alarming frequency. But Toronto’s strong play would be short-lived.
Once the Pelicans found their rhythm, they kept their foot on the gas. Five minutes from the end of the second quarter, the visitors had scored 61 points and the rout was underway.
When this Raptors team is depleted, lacks depth, and is small, the margin for error is zero, which pretty much sums up Toronto’s attempt to end its homestand with a separation.
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The injuries are starting to pile up, with Ochai Agbaji the latest casualty when he left the point Tuesday with knee soreness, according to the team.
At least fans at Scotiabank Arena got to see former Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas, one of the NBA’s good guys.
Oddly enough, the Raptors took advantage of the big guy early when they forced him away from the basket. Once the Pels made the necessary adjustments by going with a smaller roster, the game turned dramatically.
JV settled in on his return and even made two straight three-pointers for New Orleans.
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