Chris Boucher forced overtime, but the Toronto Raptors came up short against the Portland Trail Blazers in what was a very entertaining game Saturday night.
Late in the fourth quarter, after a jump ball, Toronto went on a flurry of shots before Boucher’s layup tied the game with 0.7 seconds remaining. Portland passed the ball to Ayton under the net, but his attempt failed to send the game to overtime.
Portland then took complete control in overtime, outscoring the Raptors 15-5.
Deandre Ayton returned from a sprained right hand and had a game-high 30 points and 19 rebounds to help the Blazers secure the victory.
Former Raptor Dalano Banton had 25 points and Andernee Simons added 23 to end Portland’s three-game losing streak.
Immanuel Quickley scored 29 points for the Raptors and Gary Trent Jr. added 23 as Toronto won just once in the last five games.
The Raptors were shorthanded once again in this one as Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl are out indefinitely. Additionally, RJ Barrett was a late scratch after falling ill.
Portland was also shorthanded. They were without Jermani Grant (right hamstring), Jabari Walker (right hip) and Malcolm Brogdon (right elbow). Shaedon Sharpe was out after surgery.
Portland took a 22-8 lead after Simons’ three-pointer in the first quarter. Portland pushed the lead to 38-18 in the second quarter.
Portland took a 63-46 halftime lead. Ayton led the way with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
The Raptors did a good job erasing the Blazers’ lead in the second half, but they were unable to pull out the win.
Toronto has now lost 3 games in a row as its road trip continues.
Next at your fingertips
The Raptors will travel to Denver to face the defending champion Nuggets on March 11.
This will be the Raptors’ third game of their four-game road trip. Toronto is currently 0-2 on the trip.
