(Cleveland) Once again deprived of their point guard Fred VanVleet, the Toronto Raptors never really managed to put their offense in motion and lost 104-96 against the Cavaliers in Cleveland.
Posted yesterday at 10:50 p.m.
In addition to VanVleet, Nick Nurse’s squad also had to manage without replacement Malachi Flynn, who will be out indefinitely due to injury.
It was therefore rookies Scottie Barnes and Dalano Banton who shared the work of organizing the Raptors’ attack.
Trailing by 13 points at halftime, the visitors managed to close the gap to 11 points after three quarters, but offensive production never really took off.
A desperate push late in the fourth quarter allowed the Raptors to save face by closing the gap to five points at one point, but it was too little too late.
Pascal Siakam had 24 points, Chris Boucher added 21, while Barnes and Gary Trent Jr. contributed 19 points each.
Barnes scored twice while also collecting 12 rebounds.
In the win, Cavs rookie Evan Mobley had 20 points and 17 rebounds. Lauri Markkanen had 22 points.
This gain mainly allowed the Cavaliers to strengthen their hold on the 6and rank in the conference is ahead of the Raptors. It was only the second victory in eight games for the Ohio representatives.
With the Associated Press