NBA.com reported that the Portland Trailblazers notched a five-point victory over the Toronto Raptors the other day. Kyle Lowry played a big game with DeMar DeRozan resting, but it was not enough to overcome the Trailblazers. Portland was led by their elite scoring duo in Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, together they scored 31 points and made six of the 14 three-pointers Portland made.
Kyle Lowry looked great
Kyle Lowry looked very good in their game against the Portland Trailblazers. WIth DeMar DeRozan not playing, Lowry had to step up to lead the Toronto Raptors.
Lowry contributed 23 points, three rebounds, six assists, and one steal. He shot 45.5 percent from the field making five of his 11 field goal attempts, but he only made two of his seven three-point shots. The Eastern Conference looks weak this upcoming season, so the Raptors may have a real chance at making the playoffs. Their main problems will be how they can dethrone the Cleveland Cavaliers and if they can match up with the new Boston Celtics.
Norman Powell took 14 shots
With DeMar DeRozan resting, Normal Powell got aggressive and took 14 shots. Powell had a decent game but he shot the ball poorly, only shooting 28.6 percent from the field despite making three of his four three-pointers. He contributed 15 points, one rebound, two assists, and one steal against the Portland Trailblazers.
Heading into the NBA regular season, Norman Powell has to stay aggressive in order to take the burden off DeRozan and Lowry in the offensive end.
Serge Ibaka still not fitting in
Ever since Serge Ibaka joined the Toronto Raptors last season, his numbers took a great dive. And that was, again, the case when they faced the Portland Trailblazers.
Ibaka played 20 minutes but only took a total of five shots. He only contributed two points, four rebounds, and one block while only making a single field goal. Serge Ibaka was supposed to be the help that Lowry and DeRozan needed but Ibaka continues to have a hard time finding his place in Toronto.
Lillard and McCollum shines against Toronto
Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum once again showed how good of a scoring duo they are for the Portland Trailblazers. Lillard scored 16 points, grabbed five rebounds and dished out eight assists against the Toronto Raptors. CJ McCollum also put on a show with 15 points, two rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block. He shot 45.5 percent from the field and made four of his six shots from beyond the arc.
