(Toronto) Pascal Siakam was stunning with 37 points on Thursday, leading the Toronto Raptors to a 119-114 win over 76ers of Philadelphia.
Posted at 10:16 p.m.
Updated at 11:00 p.m.
Siakam had 23 points in the second half, along with 12 assists, 11 rebounds and two steals.
Gary Trent was a big boost with 30 points for the Raptors, who have won seven of their last eight games.
Precious Achiuwa added 20 points, including a career-high five 3-pointers.
Scottie Barnes provided 13 points and 10 rebounds.
With Toronto (47-33) assured of a top-6 finish in the East, Fred VanVleet was getting a break from recent right knee issues.
OG Anunoby has missed a third game in a row, the result of a bruise on the back of his right thigh. He should also be absent on Friday, when the Raptors host the Rockets.
The Sixers quickly took control, leading 15-2. After one quarter they had a 33-26 cushion, thanks in part to a seven-for-nine record on three-pointers.
At the half, the visitors’ priority was reduced to four points and after 36 minutes the score was 87-85 in favor of the Raptors.
Midway through the final quarter, Achiuwa first made a block against James Harden; soon after, he grabbed a rebound on defense, led the transition, and calmly made a three-point shot. That gave his team a 102-92 cushion.
“It was great,” Raptors coach Nick Nurse said. He was in his zone. »
“My teammates and coaches trust me for this kind of shooting,” added Achiuwa.
Since March 9, he has gone six games with at least three shots from beyond the perimeter.
Before that in the season, he had known only one such match.
“I’m working extremely hard on it and it’s rewarding effort,” said Achiuwa. The tenacity and the repetition in training, it reflects that I want to reach the very high standards that I have for myself. »
Danny Green made things worse at 111-107 Toronto with a shot from long range, clocking 2:07 on the clock.
Siakam responded by having the better of Joel Embiid, ending the streak with a fingertip basket. Barnes quickly added a dunk, and then the Raptors stayed the course.
A key member of the Raptors when they won the 2019 NBA Finals, Green finally received his championship ring on Thursday.
The “Money Man From 3 Point Land” received the prestige item from the hands of VanVleet and Siakam.
Green received a video tribute and a warm standing ovation.
Embiid led the Sixers with 30 points. Tyrese Maxey amassed 22, Green 18 and Harden 13.
Philadelphia is battling Boston and Milwaukee for 2-4 spots in the East.
The Raptors are fifth, two games ahead of the Chicago Bulls.