DeRozan, Gay Combine for 62 in Raptors' 93-87 Win Over Nets

The former University of Southern California Trojan led the way for the Raptors with 36 points and 5 rebounds. He shot 12 of 22 from the field and was a perfect 9/9 from the free-throw line.

The shooting guard found a shooting rhythm early in the game and was able to keep it going for the entirety of the contest.

"He did a heck of a job letting the game come to him," said coach Dwane Casey. "He was very efficient with his shots and using screens ... I thought he played a great game."

Toronto was up by as many as 21 points in the first half and had to withstand a Nets’ siege late in the game.

DeRozan was three-of-four from beyond the arc and Casey knows that this is an aspect of his game that needs to continue to grow during the summer months. Teams will give up space to Gay and DeRozan, almost daring the Raptors’ wing pairing to beat them from deep.

"I think that’s the next stage of his game and the whole world will open up to him once he knocks that down consistently because now they have to come out and guard him," added Casey. "He’s just growing in every aspect offensively that you can ask for."

Rudy Gay chipped in with 26 points and 10 rebounds while limiting Joe Johnson to a 12 point outing. The team’s rebounding effort monstrous and every starter, bar DeRozan, had at least nine boards.

This led to a slew of fast-break points as the Raptors looked to take advantage of their athleticism.

"We’re one of the most athletic teams in the league and we just have to start playing like it," said Gay.

Nets coach P.J. Carlesimo noted this potential problem in his pre-game address to the media.

"Game-planning is hard for the Raptors," said Carlesimo. "At positions one through three they can run you out of the gym."

The Nets were dissapointed to lose a game that could end up having serious implications in regards to playoff seeding. Deron Williams had 30 points and 7 assists and it often felt like he was single-handedly keeping his team in the contest. His team’s renewed effort in the second half led to the lead being cut to 11 points and they would get to within three late in the fourth quarter.

Casey opted to leave Landry Fields and Terrence Ross on the bench and only used three of his reserves.

The Raptors will look to keep their momentum going on Tuesday night when they travel to Atlanta to play the Hawks.