(Detroit) Dalano Banton set a career-high 27 points as the Toronto Raptors edged the Detroit Pistons 115-111 on Monday.
The 23-year-old Ontarian also had five rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks.
The Canadian’s previous high was 14 points on Saturday in Indianapolis.
The Raptors’ second-round pick in 2021, Banton plays with confidence and shows great things in the absence of Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet, in particular.
On Monday, he went 3-for-7 from beyond the perimeter.
Montrealer Chris Boucher added 20 points, one more than OG Anunoby.
Boucher was a strong contributor once again, following 20- and 19-point games against the Thunder and Pacers.
Often rushing to the basket, Malachi Flynn did very well with 12 points in 15 minutes.
However, things were difficult again for Scottie Barnes.
Rookie of the Year last season, he contributed only eight points, including a single basket in the second half.
He was also limited to eight points against the Pacers.
Reserves Juancho Hernangomez and Christian Koloko provided nine and eight points, respectively.
With just over a minute on the clock, Hernangomez fingertiped an offensive rebound to Thad Young.
The Pistons then committed a foul that led to two free throws by Anunoby, for a 111-105 cushion in favor of the Raptors.
Bojan Bogdanovic replied with a three-point shot, but Jeff Dowtin responded with a crucial block.
Banton added free throws and with 16 seconds to go, Nick Nurse’s group took a 113-108 lead.
Jaden Ivey had a long shot, but Banton put the finishing touches with two free throws.
Gary Trent was not playing, bored in the right hip.
VanVleet missed a second straight game with an unspecified condition other than COVID-19.
Toronto (8-7) must also deal with the absence of Siakam, who is injured in the groin.
Otto Porter left the game at the half with a left foot injury.
The Raptors were 0-6 against Detroit since Dwane Casey took over at the Pistons.
The Raptors had just lost in Oklahoma and Indiana.
The club will play again Wednesday night at home against the Miami Heat.
Ivey had 21 points for Detroit, which was losing a fourth straight game.
The visitors led 58-51 at the half, thanks in particular to a very vigorous dunk from Anunoby, towards the end of it.
The Raptors kept up the pace in the third quarter, concluding 88-77 in their favor.
Toronto led 15-4 in quick throw points and 56-44 in bottle points.