Recap: Raptors Shoot Lots of Free Throws, Beat Magic 108-95

Free throws.

This recap could very well end there with those two words, considering the Raptors 108-95 victory over the Orlando Magic was essentially decided at the line. The Magic outshot the Raptors from the floor and from long range on the night, but the Raps doubled them up on free throws attempted, shooting 48 in the game. That mark was one attempt shy of the franchise record and the most the team has taken in a single game in nearly five years.

Of course, talking about free throws is about as fun as watching a team shoot 48 of them, so let's move on.

DeMar DeRozan bounced back from a disjointed offensive game in the season opener, making a number of tough shots and getting to the line seemingly at will (sorry, free throws again). He finished with 26 points and eight rebounds. Kyle Lowry was also very effective, chipping in 21 points of his own, as well as three rebounds, five assists, and a couple threes. Jonas Valanciunas quietly added a double double (10 points, 11 rebounds) and two blocks in 25 minutes of action.

The bench mob (which we really need a definitive nickname for) of Patrick Patterson, Greivis Vasquez, Lou Williams, James Johnson, and Tyler Hansbrough got two full "shifts" in tonight's game, as Dwane Casey continues to use them as something resembling a full hockey line. They weren't very effective over the first two quarters, but were a big part of the reason why the Raptors pulled away in the second half. Toronto outscored Orlando 59-43 over the two final frames.

This marked the eighth straight victory for the Raptors over the Magic, dating back to November 2012. It's only the fifth time in team history that the Raptors have started 2-0.

They'll try to go 3-0 for only the third time ever tomorrow against the Miami Heat (they've never gone 4-0, by the way).

How do you feel about the season so far? Is it living up to your expectations?

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