Philly Sports Jabronis
By Doug Ammon, Sixers.com
The final installment in a four-game season series between the Sixers and Raptors ended in similar fashion to the three that preceded it, with Toronto coming away victorious, 114-103 . Monday’s proceedings were closer than the final score would indicate, but in the end Toronto swingman DeMar DeRozen proved to be too much for the Sixers to withstand. His 35 points helped the Raptors end a five-game losing streak.
The 25-year-old shot a blistering 12-for-24 from the field and was also a perfect 10-for-10 from the charity stripe. His 35-point output was his highest of the season, and he also added a game-high nine rebounds and five assists to complete an impressive performance.
In total, five Raptors scored at least 12 points, with former Sixer Lou Williams finishing second among those five with 21 points.
Philadelphia had on of their best shooting nights of the season, going a collective 52.6% from the field and 40.0% from beyond the arc, and their three newest acquisitions each put together inspired performances. Point guard Ish Smith had the finished with career highs in points (19) and assists (9), while fellow backcourt mate Isaiah Canaan tied his highest scoring performance as a Sixer, finishing with 14 points.
Big man Thomas Robinson continued to show improvement, this time with a 13-point, five-rebound performance in just 15 minutes of action. In total, the three players combined for 48 points on 19-for-33 (57.7%) shooting.
With Robert Covington sidelined because of an elbow contusion suffered on Sunday night and Jason Richardson sitting on the second night of a back-to-back, Nerlens Noel, Henry Sims, and Luc Mbah a Moute were asked to shoulder a greater load offensively. Sims and Mbah a Moute both registered 10 points, and Noel tallied 17.
The 6’11” rookie center is starting to become more comfortable on the offensive end, and Monday’s game marked his third straight with double-digit points. Against the Raptors, he went flawless 7-for-7 from the field and also added seven rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block.
“I definitely feel that my confidence has come along, approaching the line and having the confidence to know that I can make those free throwers and jumpers,” he said after the game. “I have momentum to take it to the next level.”
Inside the Numbers: 32
Philadelphia finished with a season-high 32 total assists. Ish Smith led the way with nine, but in total nine of the ten Sixers who stepped on the floor had at least one dime, and seven had at least three.
“I felt like our pick and roll and movement and just getting off the ball was pretty good tonight,” said head coach Brett Brown. “To have 31 of the 41 shots assisted is a good number.”
Up Next
The Sixers next travel to Oklahoma City to take on the Thunder in a midweek contest. Tip is scheduled for 8pm (EST) on Wednesday.
