(Toronto) Head coach Nick Nurse didn’t mince words after his Raptors were outplayed in their arena by the Memphis Grizzlies.
All-star point guard Ja Morant had 19 points, 17 assists and four rebounds as the Grizzlies defeated the Torontonians 119-106 on Thursday.
“I don’t know if this game tonight gives me a lot of optimism,” Nurse said. It is very unacceptable. The balls recovered were in their favour. I’m not talking about “50-50” balls. I’m talking about those in which we had a huge advantage. »
Defensive mainstay OG Anunoby had 16 points, three rebounds and two steals for the Raptors (15-20). He presented the same pessimistic view as his coach regarding the performance of the Raptors.
“Tonight’s effort wasn’t up to par,” said Anunoby, who leads the NBA with an average of 2.2 steals per game. (Nurse a) definitely right about effort. »
Dillon Brooks of Mississauga, Ont., provided 25 points, six assists and four rebounds for the Grizzlies (21-13). Steven Adams added 14 points and 17 rebounds.
As for the Raptors, Pascal Siakam was the most productive with 25 points, 10 rebounds and four assists.
Gary Trent Jr. scored 20 points as a reserve.
The Raptors were without star point guard Fred VanVleet, who is struggling with back pain. Nurse also indicated that forward Precious Achiuwa could be back on Friday.
Montrealer Khem Birch landed a powerful dunk late in the first quarter for the Raptors, then fellow Montrealer Chris Boucher joined forces with Anunoby to block a stride shot from Tyus Jones on the final play of the period . Despite those two spectacular plays, the Raptors trailed 30-20 after 12 minutes.
The Grizzlies lead was 57-43 at halftime.
The Raptors had a boost in the fourth quarter, closing within nine points of their rivals. The Grizzlies, however, sent their five starters back on the field and regained control of the game.