DeRozan breaks Franchise Record, leads Raptors to 131–127 OT Win
This was by far the best Toronto Raptor’s game I have ever watched. You could literally feel the energy from the crowd to the court, and through the TV screen.
The Toronto Raptors started 2018 off well by beating the Milwaukee Bucks 131–127 in over time. This was the first time the Raptors played against the Bucks since kicking them out during the first round of the NBA playoffs last season.
In the first quarter, DeMar DeRozan started off the game with a personal 9–0 run, but the Bucks kept clawing back. At the end of the first quarter, the Raptors were up by five and DeRozan had 21 points along with three assists. However, during the beginning of the second quarter, the Raptors were allowing Milwaukee to take just what they needed. The Bucks ended up having the lead throughout most of the quarter.
In the second half, the Raptors took on a more defensive approach, after allowing the Bucks to shoot 55% during the first half. They managed to contain the Bucks energy and rhythm, which led to a tie at the end of regulation.
DeMar DeRozan and the Raptors went into overtime by a score of 121–121. Luckily, the energy on the sidelines helped the Raptors beat the Bucks 131–127 on New Years Day! With the win, the Raptors tied a franchise record of 12 home game wins in a row. But that’s not the only record that was tied (and eventually broken) during tonight’s win!
The “Backcourt Brothers” (DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry) were two major keys that lead the team to victory. DeRozan had 52 points, breaking the Toronto Raptors franchise record for most points in a game. He shot 59% from the field and made five three-pointers. DeMar also had five rebounds, eight assists, and was perfect from the free throw line. Kyle Lowry was excellent as well with 26 points. He shot 50% from both the three-point line and the field. Lowry and DeRozan combined for 78 points, 14 assists and 10 three’s. They were absolutely incredible!
The Raptors fans on Twitter were spitting out some fire tweets after the game about “DeGod DeGoatzan”.
The Raptors will be in Chicago facing the Bulls on Wednesday, followed by a game in Milwaukee against the Bucks on Friday.
