Photo Credit: Dale Zanine/USA TODAY Sports
The Toronto Raptors were unsuccessful without most of their starting lineup tonight, narrowly dropping their third consecutive game 121-120 against the Atlanta Hawks.
The Raptors maintained a lead right up until the final buzzer. A late push by the Hawks — ending with Tony Snell draining a 25-foot three-pointer as the clock struck double zeros — won the game for Atlanta. Atlanta was just barely able to capitalize on a Raptors team missing Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby, among others.
Despite the loss, Toronto saw better numbers in field goal (43.8%), three point (45.9%) and free throw (82.6%) accuracy. Norman Powell led the Raptors with 33 points while Trae Young led the Hawks, scoring 37 points.
Kyle Lowry had a milestone night, passing Chris Bosh on the Raptors all-time scoring list and moving into second — behind former teammate DeMar DeRozan.
The Raptors were less than stellar to start the game, finishing the first quarter down by 11 points, 37-26. However, Toronto was able to lower their deficit by halftime, outscoring the Hawks 33-27 in the second frame but still trailed Atlanta 64-59 heading into the third.
The Raptors gained their first lead of the night at the halfway mark of the third quarter and carried the momentum into the final frame, leading 94-84.
Siakam, VanVleet, Anunoby, Patrick McCaw and Malachi Flynn were all ruled out tonight due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols. There is no definite timeline for their return to the court.
Cam Reddish (achilles), De’Andre Hunter (knee) and Kris Dunn (ankle) were ruled out for the Hawks.
Toronto will begin a three-game road trip, starting with Lamelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night. Tip-off is set for 7:00PM EST.
