Toronto Raptors regained the air at the expense of Miami Heat, who fell 91-112 at the Kaseya Center in Florida, in a meeting between two teams in clear negative dynamics that have lost most of their games in December.
The Raptors (18-13), who were coming off losses in seven of their last eight games, showed their best side against the Miami Heat (15-15), who have lost six of their last eight games.
Raptors control the game
The Canadians were ahead on the scoreboard from the start of the game, and barely surrendered the lead to their rivals in a short stretch of the second quarter, in which they went 7 up (44-51).
Whenever the Miami Heat looked like they could get within 10 points, a ‘raptor’ player would always appear to score a three-pointer to put their efforts to naught.
Mexico’s Jaime Jaquez Jr. (21 points and 9-of-16 shooting) seemed to be the only Miami Heat player with clear ideas.
But their penetrations were not enough to prevent Miami from continuing their free fall.
The ‘former’ UCLA player finished the game with a +9 when he was on the court, despite the resounding defeat.
Barnes and Raptors impose their offense
Norman Powell, with 17 points, was the closest scorer for the Miami Heat.
Center Kel’el Ware, who was coming off a 28-point, 19-rebound performance Sunday against the New York Knicks, showed he still lacks the consistency to advance to the next level and was held to 5 points and 9 rebounds.
For the Raptors, Scottie Barnes was the main asset on offense, scoring 27 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. Immanuel Quickley contributed 18 points and dished out 7 assists.
Sandro Mamukelashvili was also an important figure in the Canadians’ attack, with 14 points and 7 assists.
With information from EFE
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