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Well, that was fun.
In one of the most entertaining games of the season, the Raptors were able to squeak out a win over the banged up Nuggets. The fifth place Nuggets, playing without Gallinari, Iguodala and Chandler, displayed their incredible depth as even without three key players, they were inches away from getting the W.
This game was Toronto's version of all-star weekend. The first half was the dunk contest, as the Raptors jammed down dunk after dunk after dunk, and mixed in some alley-oops in as well. John Lucas' 3-point barrage early in the fourth quarter was our 3-point contest, as he hit four straight uncontested threes in a short span. And of course, Rudy Gay's game winning shot was our All-star game, as Rudy displayed some All-Star caliber talent.
MVP: Rudy Gay
Until the final possession, this was arguably Rudy Gay's worst game as a Raptor. He got into foul trouble early, and struggled to make an impact after his 13-point first quarter outburst. Despite his struggles, for the second time since the trade, he hit a game-winning shot with just seconds remaining.
Many times this season, the Raptors have been in the position to win games, but unable to drain the final shot, or make the final defensive stop. Gay did both of these in tonight's game, as he followed his game-winning shot by defending Ty Lawson, and forcing a missed jumper with just seconds remaining, that clinched the win for the Raps.
Honorable Mentions: DeRozan, Lowry and John Lucas III
LVP: First half bench production
For the second straight game, the Raptors bench entered in the first half, and managed to blow the lead the starters had built. Lucas and Bargnani especially, struggled early on, and lead a bench group that was a combined -15 in the first half, while the starters were +17. The bench did come through in the fourth quarter however, as John Lucas and Alan Anderson came up big late in the game.
Comment of the game: via Justorbs
"Raptors 5.5 games out of a playoff spot."
Amazingly, the Raptors are within reach of a playoff spot. You know what that means; take a stop at the Bucks, Celtics, and 76ers games on league pass, and be sure to cheer against them.
Tweet of the game:
Did I tell you to watch the Nuggets/Raptors game earlier? Hope you listened. This has been a Top 10 Game of the year.
— NBA Guru (@NBAGuru) February 13, 2013
Dunks!
If you missed tonight's game, watch the video below, DeRozan's dunk was truly unbelievable. And if you saw it live; trust me, it's even better the second time.
Next up
The Raptors next game is tomorrow night against the Knicks, as Toronto looks to win their fourth straight game and end their pre-All-Star schedule on a serious high.