The Toronto Raptors have been forward, main by as many as 10 factors, when their offense stalled.
Cam Johnson went on a 13-4 run within the last 2:24 of the sport because the Brooklyn Nets beat the Raptors 101-94 on Thursday for Toronto’s sixth straight loss. Johnson had 15 factors within the quarter, simply three fewer than the Raptors scored as a crew within the 12-minute interval.
“We simply gave up extra factors than each different quarter,” stated Scottie Barnes, who had two factors, two turnovers and three private fouls within the fourth quarter. “That is the quarter we actually have to lock down, get some stops.
“We put (Johnson) on the free throw line about eight occasions on the finish of the sport, nevertheless it’s been 1 / 4, simply locking in and making stops and never having the ability to foul. You simply have to remain strong.”
Johnson completed with a game-high 33 factors and 10 rebounds with six assists as Brooklyn (11-16) ended a three-game skid. Ben Simmons added 12 factors, seven assists and 5 rebounds.
Barnes had 16 factors, six assists and three rebounds for Toronto (7-21) in his first sport since spraining his proper ankle. Barnes was inactive for 10 days however missed solely two video games after what appeared like a critical harm healed comparatively rapidly.
“It was unhealthy at first, nevertheless it feels good now,” Barnes stated. “No downside with that.”
Barnes was not with out ache, nevertheless. He injured his hip elbow in Thursday’s sport, and he stated it was nonetheless sore an hour after the sport ended.
Ochai Agbaji scored 20 factors on 4 for 8 three-pointers for the Raptors, and Gradey Dick added 19 factors on 4 for 8 three-point makes an attempt.
Rookies Ja’Kobe Walter and Jonathan Mogbo began for the Raptors, bringing the typical roster age to 22 years, 187 days, the youngest in franchise historical past.
“It is at all times a studying course of when there is a group of younger folks, however I like taking part in there with a gaggle of younger folks,” stated Agbaji, who at 24 was the oldest starter of the Raptors. “At all times have that vitality and that form of additional chip in your shoulder as a younger crew.”
The youth motion was crucial with the absence of swingman RJ Barrett (sickness) from Mississauga, Ont., and backup guard Davion Mitchell (strained proper shoulder).
Brooklyn middle Nic Claxton was ejected from the sport at 3:14 of the second quarter after throwing a ball into the stands after being fouled by Raptors ahead Kelly Olynyk.
Claxton led the Nets with seven factors and 5 rebounds on the time of the technical foul and threatened to throw a seat cushion on the ground after being ejected.
“He is aware of he must be higher, particularly this one,” Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez stated. “It’s important to management your frustrations, that is no cause to do this. I perceive that all of us have feelings however the crew wants him, his teammates want him.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first printed December 19, 2024.
