The Toronto Raptors finished off their seven-game homestand with a bang, dismantling the Sacramento Kings with a convincing 124-101 win at Scotiabank Arena — their fourth in their last five games.
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They say teamwork makes the dream work and the Raptors were in a sharing mood tonight, despite only having 11 players available. Nine different players finished in double figures, led by 17 points from Chris Boucher, while Scottie Barnes and Pascal Siakam added 16 points apiece.
De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 29 points as they dropped their third game in a row, falling to 11-17 on the season, while the Raptors sit at 13-14.
For more on tonight's game, we've got you covered with some thoughts below.
1. The Scottie Barnes show!
We have to start with Scottie!
The No. 4 overall pick in the draft, arrived in the NBA with a defensive reputation and tonight he looked every bit the part, tormenting the Kings on the defensive end.
Barnes was everywhere tonight defensively, recording a career-high five blocks, anchoring the team's defence with his activity inside.
Welcome to the SB4 block party pic.twitter.com/YY0Pns7eCU
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) December 14, 2021
Nick Nurse gave the rookie an extended run in the first half and he was a big catalyst in their dominant early showing, scoring 14 of his 16 points in the first 24 minutes of the game.
He finished with a strong line of 16 points, four rebounds, two assists and five blocks in his 32 minutes.
"It's really good to see Scottie string up a few really good games like this," Nurse said postgame. "It's good to see him continue to grow."
2. Defence finding rhythm
It wasn't just Barnes picking up the defensive responsibility tonight, with the entire roster suffocating the Kings, holding them to 40.4 percent shooting and 32.4 percent (11-of-34) from three, adding to their impressive stretch over the homestand.
In their seven games at home, the Raptors have held opponents to under 100 points in four games, conceding 101 tonight. While they gave up 19 offensive rebounds, they made up for it, forcing 17 turnovers, helping them get out in transition and punish the Kings on the fastbreak.
WE RUNNIN' pic.twitter.com/zvLfr4f4yM
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) December 14, 2021
Across their past 10 games, the Raptors have the seventh-best defence in the league, giving up 108.8 points per 100 possessions.
3. Ball movement
The Raptors' unselfishness was on show from the jump as they moved the ball with intent, making the extra pass and finding the open man on their way to notching 19 first-half assists on 31 made field goals.
They raced out to an 11-0 run and piled up 70 points in the first half — a season-high — with their 124 points tonight just two shy of their season-high.
Unselfish basketball is a beautiful thing pic.twitter.com/Iw52Zu8QV8
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) December 14, 2021
They finished the game with 28 assists on 53 made field goals, with four different players recording 4+ assists, led by Dalano Banton, who came off the bench with a game-hgh six dimes.
4. Bench catches fire
Entering tonight's game, the Raptors bench had been the worst in the league, averaging just 23.3 points per game, but tonight they looked completely energised, piling up a season-high 53 points!
Malachi Flynn led the way with 14 points, while Yuta Watanabe added 12, Svi Mykhailiuk 11 and rookie Justin Champagnie 10.
Watanabe added 10 rebounds to give him his first career double-double. "To be honest with you, I’m very proud of myself," he said postgame.
"I was gassed at the end but that's how it should be. Every time I get on the court I work hard, bring energy, so after every game I should be gassed."
.@wacchi1013's shot is a thing of beauty pic.twitter.com/uz1ZbKEJYG
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) December 14, 2021
5. OK Gary Trent Jr!
The Raptors wing had the Scotiabank Arena hyped in the second quarter, capping a 7-0 run with this huge fastbreak jam!
THIS IS WHAT YOU LOVE TO SEE pic.twitter.com/BCfymdk0BA
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) December 14, 2021
6. Boucher seizing his moment
The Raptors are currently thin in the frontline with Khem Birch (knee) and Precious Achiuwa (health and safety protocols) on the sidelines, opening the door for Chris Boucher to start at center.
With the Raptors out and running tonight, the Canadian feasted inside, recording 17 points and five rebounds on an efficient 7-of-10 from the field.
After seeing 20+ minutes just twice in his first 24 games, Boucher has impressed in his last three games — all starts — averaging 14.0 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks. With Birch's return date unknown, for now, Boucher is making the most of his opportunity in the starting lineup.
7. What's next?
The Raptors travel to Brooklyn on Tuesday, Dec. 14 to take on Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
See you then!
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