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The Toronto Raptors continue to look pretty darn good in the Las Vegas Summer League, as they got their second straight victory on Sunday night, beating the Chicago Bulls 81-66. The Raptors hounded the Bulls defensively, as Chicago shot just 31 percent from the field and 13 percent from three.
The emerging story of this Raptors Summer League team has been Norman Powell, the Raptors second-round pick this year. As he did on Friday, he led Toronto in scoring again with 19 points, seven rebounds, and two steals. What's more impressive is how complete his game looks on both ends of the court. On the offensive end, his jump shot continues to impress after being a reported weakness on draft night. On Sunday, he was 7-for-11 from the field and made his only three-point attempt. Things have gone so well for Powell, he was even able to finish a dunk after losing it on the way up.
It's that kind of Summer League for Norman Powell. https://t.co/ZiMY0RcDT3
— John Gaudes (@johngaudes) July 12, 2015
On defence, he simply works hard, as shown on this possession where a quick swipe forced Chicago into a shot clock violation.
Going about his business a bit quieter, but equally as impressive, is first-rounder Delon Wright. He had ten points, three rebounds, two assists, and a steal. Wright also got to show off his herky-jerky offensive game and pick and roll IQ on many occasions, including this one.
The Brazilians chipped in, as expected. There are still plenty of moments where Bruno Caboclo looks awkward, but he put in 11 points on 4-of-13 shooting. Lucas Nogeuira (Bebe!) had a Summer League fantasy night to remember with eight points, 12 rebounds, three blocks, two steals, and two assists.
Overall, the Raptors made life miserable for Chicago's offence. The Bulls shot just 25 percent and 1-for-13 from three-point range in the first half, falling behind and staying there. Doug McDermott made some McBuckets for 11 points, but there just wasn't enough help there to overcome a tenacious defensive night from the Raptors backcourt.
Fun stat of the night: Ronald Roberts, undrafted in 2014 and last playing in the Philippines Basketball League, was +30 in 19 minutes of play. In fact, Roberts appears to be impressing coach Dwane Casey, who threw his name on the shortlist to make the roster during an interview with NBA TV. Somewhat pie in the sky, but hey... it's July.
For my fellow League Passers (or people watching highlights later on), what were your thoughts on the game?