Raptors overcome 45-point game from Miles Bridges to beat Hornets 123-117
RJ Barrett scored 23 points, Jakob Poeltl had two big plays in the 90 seconds and the Toronto Raptors overcame a career-high 45 points from Miles Bridges to beat Charlotte 123-117 and hand the Hornets their ninth straight loss.
Pascal Siakam traded to the Pacers, while Raptors collect 3 1st-rounders
Pascal Siakam was traded to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night, ending a run of nearly eight years with the Toronto Raptors during which he was a two-time All-NBA selection, two-time All-Star and part of the team that won the 2019 NBA title.
Knicks sue Raptors, accusing foe of using ex-Knicks employee as 'mole' to steal scouting secrets
The New York Knicks are suing the Toronto Raptors, the Raptors head coach and a former Knicks employee, saying the worker stole thousands of videos and other scouting secrets to give to his new Canadian employer.
Harris, Embiid carry 76ers past Raptors 104-101 in overtime
Tobias Harris hit a 3-pointer in overtime that put Philadelphia ahead to stay, and Joel Embiid had 28 points, 11 rebounds and four assists as the 76ers extended their winning streak to a season-best five games with a 104-101 win over the struggling Toronto Raptors.
Trade deadline passes, and Kyle Lowry remains with Raptors
Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) celebrates a three-point basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets Wednesday, March 24, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)Kyle Lowry stayed with the Toronto Raptors, and the Miami Heat got Victor Oladipo instead. And on a trade deadline day where moves were getting made right up until the last possible moment, the Denver Nuggets took a big swing at getting better for a playoff run while the Orlando Magic began a rebuild. Lowry โ considered perhaps the biggest prize who was on the market โ did not get traded, the Raptors apparently unable to find enough assets to their liking. Questions swirled around Lowry all the way to the 3 p.m. EST deadline, and there were signs that the Raptors were positioning themselves to make the move. โEverything will be fine," Lowry said on Wednesday, when asked about the looming deadline and incessant reports about his trade prospects.
Rockets end skid at 20, Wall has 1st triple-double since '16
Houston Rockets' John Wall (1) drives on Toronto Raptors' Fred VanVleet (23) during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game Monday, March 22, 2021, in Houston. (Bob Levey/Pool Photo via AP)HOUSTON โ The Houston Rockets ended their 20-game losing streak Monday night, as John Wall had his first triple-double in five years in a 117-99 victory over the Toronto Raptors. Houstonโs skid was tied for the ninth-worst in NBA history and the longest since Philadelphiaโs record-setting, 28-game losing streak across the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons. But Wall had 19 points, 10 assists and 11 rebounds, his first triple-double since Feb. 5, 2016. In their losing streak, Houston led after the first quarter only three times, including on Feb. 26 when they led the Raptors 31-30.
Raptors' Nurse fined $50,000 for mask-throwing, profanity
Nurse was upset at the end of Toronto's 115-112 loss to the Utah Jazz, a game in which the Jazz took 41 free throws, compared with the Raptors' 14. After the game, Nurse said it โjust didnโt seem like they were going to let us win tonight,โ without offering specifics. The 27-shot difference in free throw attempts between the teams was the second largest in the NBA this season, topped by the 28-shot difference Houston had over Golden State on Wednesday. Entering Sunday, the Raptors were shooting 4.5 free throws per game fewer than opponents this season, the second-largest disparity in the league. Ad___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Beyโs double-double leads Pistons over slumping Raptors
NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)DETROIT โ Saddiq Bey had 28 points and 12 rebounds, and the Detroit Pistons overcame Norman Powellโs 43 points to beat the Toronto Raptors 116-112 on Wednesday night, ending a four-game skid. Bey, who leads all rookies in 3-pointers with 85, was 6 of 10 from behind the arc for Detroit, which had lost 10 of 12. โThat young man is already a solid pro and he's just getting started,โ Pistons coach Dwane Casey said. TIP-INSRaptors: Toronto hadn't lost six straight games since Dec. 3-12, 2012, Casey's second year coaching the Raptors.
Pistons begin 2nd half of season: 4 things to watch
(Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)DETROIT โ The Pistons return to action this week to finish off their 2020-2021 season -- hereโs what weโre watching. ๐ 4 things to watch in 2nd halfReturn of Killian HayesThe Pistons first-round pick has been sidelined with a hip injury for the last two months and is set to return to the floor in the coming weeks. Draft positionIf all things continue on, the Pistons should have a great shot at a top-3 draft pick, if not the top pick overall. The team isnโt winning yet, but itโs very competitive, fun to watch and filled with young, high ceiling talent. The second half will be all about the young guys getting minutes and learning to compete.
Plumlee, Smith Jr. notch triple-doubles, Pistons beat depleted Raptors
NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)TAMPA, Fla. โ Wayne Ellington scored 25 points and the Detroit Pistons beat the virus-depleted Toronto Raptors 129-105 on Wednesday night to snap a three-game losing streak. The Raptors played without Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby, three of their top four scorers, and reserves Malachi Flynn and Patrick McCaw because of the NBA's health and safety protocols. Toronto's scheduled Sunday night game against Chicago Bulls also was postponed. Raptors: F Yuta Watanabe got his first NBA start, but did not score.
Raptors' virus issues worsen, game vs. Bulls called off
(AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)The Toronto Raptorsโ issues with the coronavirus have worsened, prompting the NBA to call off their game scheduled for Sunday night against the Chicago Bulls. Toronto played Friday without head coach Nick Nurse, several other assistants and staffers and starting forward Pascal Siakam because of virus-related issues. The Raptors-Bulls game is the 30th to be postponed so far this season because of COVID-19 testing or contact tracing. All NBA players and coaches are tested daily. During the season's second half, which runs from March 10 through May 16, the Raptors and Bulls share 19 days without a game on their schedules.
The Latest: U.S. FDA approves J&J single-shot vaccine
Tom Moore, the 100-year-old World War II veteran who captivated the British public in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic with his fundraising efforts died, Tuesday Feb. 2, 2021. Commercial applicants will be required to provide evidence that the coronavirus pandemic caused them to lose at least 35% of revenue in 2020. ___RAMALLAH, West Bank โ The Palestinian government announced a 12-day lockdown in the Israeli-occupied West Bank after a surge in coronavirus cases, including new variants. The death toll stands at 3,685, with more than a dozen deaths reported Friday. ___WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. โ The Navajo Nation has continued on a downward trend in the number of daily coronavirus cases.
Depleted Raptors hand Rockets 10th straight loss
(AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)TAMPA, Fla. โ Norman Powell scored 30 points, Kyle Lowry had a triple-double and the depleted Toronto Raptors beat the Houston Rockets 122-111 on Friday night. AdLowry had 20 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists to help the Raptors hand the Rockets their 10th straight loss. Victor Oladipo led the Rockets with 27 points, and John Wall had 21 points and 12 assists. TIP-INSRockets: The last time the Rockets lost 10 straight games was Nov. 23-Dec. 20, 2001 during a 15-game losing streak. Raptors: The Raptors have not been involved in any of the NBA's 29 coronavirus postponements so far this season.
Warriors G League G Jeremy Lin experienced racism on court
FILE - In this March 28, 2019, file photo, Toronto Raptors' Jeremy Lin stands on the court during the second half of the team's NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks in New York. Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr will support G League guard Lin and is hopeful of an investigation into what discriminatory act caused Lin to speak out about racism facing Asian Americans. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)SAN FRANCISCO โ Warriors G League guard Jeremy Lin shared on social media that he experienced an act of racism on the court. Golden State coach Steve Kerr said he will support Lin and denounced any discriminatory act that caused Lin to speak out about racism targeting Asian Americans. Being a 9-year NBA veteran doesnโt protect me from being called โcoronavirusโ on the court,โ Lin wrote.
Virus sidelines Raptors coaches, Siakam for Rockets game
Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse talks to players during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, in Minneapolis. Assistant coach Sergio Scariolo was promoted to coach the team's game in Tampa, Florida, against the Rockets. Scariolo had been away from the Raptors while coaching Spain in FIBA's EuroBasket 2022 qualifiers and just cleared quarantine Friday. AdโI don't know how many hundreds or thousands of games he's been a head coach," Raptors general manager Bobby Webster said about Scariolo. Webster said the team isn't certain if Siakam's issue is related to the issue with the coaching staff.
Wizards to rest scoring leader Beal for 1st time this season
Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) shoots against Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)WASHINGTON โ NBA scoring leader Bradley Beal will be held out of a game for rest for the first time this season, sitting out Washington's matchup with the New York Knicks on Friday. Beal is averaging 32.8 points and 35.3 minutes per game for Washington (6-16), which is among the league's worst teams. The only previous game Beal missed this season was a loss to the Miami Heat on Jan. 9 because of the league's COVID-19 protocols. Washington's other starting guard, Russell Westbrook โ who was acquired in a trade with Houston before the season โ has missed seven games this season for rest or because of injury.
Raptors to keep calling Tampa home for rest of season
Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43) passes the ball over Orlando Magic guard Terrence Ross (31) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)The Toronto Raptors arenโt going back to Toronto this season. โIt took us a while to get settled in," Raptors coach Nick Nurse said Thursday before Toronto played at Boston. The Raptors are 6-5 in their โhomeโ building this season, Amalie Arena, which theyโre sharing with the Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning. Tampa also has the reigning Super Bowl champion Buccaneers and the Tampa Bay Rays played in the World Series last season. The Raptors tried to simulate the comforts the team has at home in Toronto, at least as much as possible.
Durant out until Friday for coronavirus protocol reasons
(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)NEW YORK โ Kevin Durant will miss at least three games for coronavirus health and safety protocols before being eligible to return to the Brooklyn Nets on Friday. That means the superstar's return could come next Saturday at Golden State, where Durant won two NBA titles in three seasons. Durant drove in a car with a team employee three times Friday, according to a person with knowledge of the details. Both Durant and the employee were seemingly not wearing masks, the person told The Associated Press. AdThough Durant continued to test negative, he is a close contact of the employee who tested positive and faces the mandatory seven-day quarantine.
Durant can't start, can't finish game for virus protocols
(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)NEW YORK โ Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant couldn't start a game and then couldn't finish it, removed in the third quarter because of the NBA's health and safety protocols. Durant wasn't available at the beginning of Friday night's game against Toronto, eventually being cleared to enter in the first quarter. โThey just said contract tracing and Iโm thinking to myself, โWell, if itโs contact tracing, then weโre all in the locker room together. He said someone whom Durant interacted with in the afternoon had an inconclusive test result return shortly before the game. He tested positive for the virus in March while he was recovering from Achilles tendon surgery.
VanVleet sets Raptors mark with 54 in 123-108 win at Orlando
Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet, left, drives around Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)ORLANDO, Fla. โ Fred VanVleet set a franchise record with 54 points and hit a career-best 11 3-pointers as the Toronto Raptors beat the short-handed Orlando Magic 123-108 on Tuesday night. AdNorman Powell had 23 points for Toronto, and Kyle Lowry posted a triple-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Orlando, which has lost 12 of 14, tried almost every guard on its roster against the 6-foot-1 VanVleet with little to no success. AdMagic: Orlando was without Gordon, who severely sprained his left ankle later in Sundayโs game against Toronto. Magic: Orlando hosts Chicago on Friday and Saturday in a two-game set.
Anunoby's hot hand helps short-handed Raptors beat Pacers
Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby (3) shoots over Indiana Pacers forward Domantas Sabonis (11) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021. Plus, they maintained their dominance over the Pacers, who have lost six straight season series to Toronto. He had a good night.โThe Pacers played catch-up most of the game after falling behind midway through the second quarter. Toronto scored the final five points to hand Indiana its third loss in four games. Pacers: Sabonis had 10 points and 10 rebounds in the first half alone for his 16th consecutive double-double to open the season.
The Latest: Raptors, Lightning to play without fans for now
(AP Photo/Matt Dunham)The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:___The Toronto Raptors and Tampa Bay Lightning wonโt have fans at home games in Tampa, Florida, until at least Feb. 5. โWe are not comfortable bringing large numbers of fans indoors to watch hockey or basketball right now,โ said Steve Griggs, CEO for Vinik Sports Group and the Lightning. Because of Canadaโs border restrictions and rising COVID-19 cases, the Raptors were forced to play their home games out of Tampa for at least the first half of the season. ___A third United Arab Emirates cricket player has tested positive and forced the scheduled one-day international against Ireland in Abu Dhabi on Sunday to be postponed to next Saturday. The 73-year-old coach said earlier this week e and his wife were placed into quarantine after a family member tested positive for COVID-19.
The Latest: ETSU to allow 10% capacity for basketball games
(AP Photo/Darren Abate)The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:___East Tennessee State will allow 10% of capacity for basketball games starting Wednesday night at the Buccaneersโ menโs game with Western Carolina. No single-game tickets will be available, though 100 student tickets will be available for games at Freedom Hall and 50 for womenโs games at Brooks Gym. ___The Atlantic Coast Conference announced that the menโs basketball game between No. ___Syracuse's womenโs basketball game against North Carolina scheduled for Thursday has been postponed. ___Vanderbilt womenโs basketball has postponed the first three Southeastern Conference games of the league schedule as it deals with positive COVID-19 tests, contact tracing and quarantines.
AP source: Duke women end basketball season amid virus
The Duke women's basketball team has ended its season amid the coronavirus pandemic, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)The Duke women's basketball team has ended its season amid the coronavirus pandemic, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press. The womenโs basketball team has been on pause since Dec. 16 because of two positive COVID-19 tests and contact tracing within the programโs travel party. The Ivy League opted out of playing winter sports in November before the basketball season started. See just what would be best?โThe virus has already caused many games to be canceled or postponed in the first month of the season.
We The South: The Raptors settling into their Tampa home
The Toronto Raptors and the Miami Heat tip off to start during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, in Tampa, Fla. The Raptors are playing their home games in Tampa as a result of Canada's strict travel regulations stemming from the coronavirus pandemic. Familiarity is where we thrive,โ said Teresa Resch, the Raptorsโ vice president of basketball operations and one of the guiding forces behind the teamโs move to Tampa. โThe Toronto Raptors and their fans will not be disappointed here in Tampa Bay,โ Tampa Mayor Jane Castor saidThe last time Tampa was on the NBAโs schedule prior to this season was in 2010, when Miami and Orlando were supposed to meet there in a preseason game. At least 17 times in the next 2 ยฝ months, the Raptors will be calling a court in Tampa home.
Canada reviewing NBA plan to play in Toronto amid pandemic
TORONTO, ONT โ The Canadian government is reviewing a proposal from the NBA and the Raptors to play in Toronto amid the pandemic. This is not a next week type thing.โThe Raptors and the NBA need an exemption to a requirement that anyone entering Canada for nonessential reasons must self-isolate for 14 days. We are reviewing a proposal from the NBA and the Toronto Raptors for the resumption of NBA basketball in Canada.โThe NBA season is set to open Dec. 22, with training camps beginning in about two weeks. The Canadian government requites a comprehensive public health plan and written support from local health officials. The plan is being reviewed by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
AP source: Lakers on verge of acquiring Dennis Schrรถder
Teams may begin making trades Monday, according to a memo sent to teams and obtained early Sunday by The Associated Press. And the first deal known to be tentatively agreed upon would send guard Dennis Schrรถder from Oklahoma City to the champion Los Angeles Lakers for Danny Green and the No. The โtemporary transaction moratoriumโ across the league ends Monday at noon Eastern, the league told teams. Also officially due Monday: All-NBA forward Anthony Davisโ decision on his $28.7 million option year with the Lakers, one that he will formally decline in favor of signing a long-term and huge money contract with that club. Nicolas Batumโs $27.1 million option decision with Charlotte is also due Monday.
Bjorkgren describes plan to take Pacers in new direction
INDIANAPOLIS โ New Indiana Pacers coach Nate Bjorkgren went right to work Wednesday. Less than 24 hours after accepting the job, the 45-year-old former Toronto Raptors assistant started explaining his plan. โThere are people in this world who bring energy and you like being around them," Pritchard said after introducing Bjorkgren on a Zoom call. But the first-time NBA head coach certainly presented a different kind of vision, one Pacers fans may embrace after watching years of stodgy, half-court basketball. Bjorkgren developed his coaching style working largely with Raptors coach Nick Nurse.
Raptors sign coach Nick Nurse to multiyear extension
Toronto Raptors' head coach Nick Nurse directs his team during the first half of an NBA conference semifinal playoff basketball game with the Boston Celtics Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. โ Nick Nurse would have been in the final year of his contract next season. The Toronto Raptors werenโt about to let that happen with their coach. Nurse and the Raptors announced a multiyear extension Tuesday, without divulging the terms. In his two seasons with Toronto, Nurse won the 2019 NBA championship and led the Raptors to more wins than any team in the league over that span. โOur confidence in Nick just continues to grow, and part of that comes from what weโve experienced together,โ Raptors President Masai Ujiri said.
Celtics oust Raptors in Game 7, head to East finals vs. Heat
Tatum scored 29 points, Jaylen Brown had 21 and the Celtics topped the Toronto Raptors 92-87 on Friday night in Game 7 of the East semifinal series. The Raptors were bidding to become the seventh franchise in NBA history to win four consecutive Game 7's. Boston pushed the lead to nine, Toronto scored the next eight, eventually took the lead before the Celtics claimed it back. Raptors: Toronto was eliminated 456 days after winning the preceding seasonโs title, obviously the longest such run for a team that didnโt win consecutive championships. 2 seed in the East will make the conference finals since the NBA went to the 16-team playoff format in 1984; this one will feature No.
On to Game 7: Raptors survive Celtics in double-OT thriller
Fred VanVleet scored 21 points for the Raptors, who needed the win to extend their season, and Anunoby had 13 points and 13 rebounds. And tempers flared when it was over, everyone getting a few extra words in before Game 7 on Friday. Celtics: Brown took 18 shots in the first half, the most by a Celtics player in the first 24 minutes of a game since Antoine Walker took 18 on Nov. 29, 2002 also against Toronto. GAME 7 HISTORYThe Celtics will be in a Game 7 for the 33rd time; theyre 23-9 all-time but have lost four of their last seven ultimate games. Game 7 will be considered a Toronto home game.
Celtics roll in Game 5, take 3-2 series lead on Raptors
Jaylen Brown scored 27 points and the Celtics never trailed, rolling past the Toronto Raptors 111-89 in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series on Monday night. Boston now leads the series 3-2 and can earn a trip to the East finals on Wednesday. Toronto outscored Boston 28-25 in the third and it already didn't matter; the Celtics' lead was 87-63 going into the fourth. The Celtics scored more points in the second quarter (37) than they allowed in the first half (35). The Raptors went 1-0 last season in win-or-else games, that being the Game 7 triumph over Philadelphia in the East semifinals.
Raptors beat Celtics 100-93 to even East semifinals at 2-2
Two days after winning Game 3 on OG Anunobys 3-pointer as time expired, the Raptors didnt need any big shots. Jayson Tatum had 24 points and 10 rebounds for the Celtics. 7-UPWhen Lowry and Brown fouled each other, it caused some headaches for the public address announcer, who mixed up his No. When Brown fouled Lowry in the first quarter, he announced the foul was on Lowry, saying my bad after a moment of confusion. Lowry hacked Brown in the second and it was announced as a foul on the Celtics player.
Raptors-Celtics prep for Game 4, Nuggets-Clippers for Game 2
Game 4 of Celtics-Raptors is Saturday night, followed by Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinal matchup between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Clippers. Leonards shot became iconic because the Raptors won it all. He played most of the first quarter and then the entirety of the final three quarters of Game 3 without a rest. The 46:29 of court time was the most by any player in a non-overtime game this season. INJURY WATCH: It was a good sign for the Clippers that Patrick Beverley (calf) not only returned to the lineup in Game 1 but reported after the game that he felt fine.
Celtics roll past Raptors 112-94, take 1-0 East semis lead
Toronto has lost four games by more than 15 points this season three of them against Boston. The Celtics won by 22 on Aug. 7, 18 on Sunday and 16 on Christmas Day. Tatum hit a baseline jumper as time expired, and the lead was 88-73 going into the final 12 minutes. Raptors: Toronto trailed 39-23 after one quarter, the sixth-worst point differential in a span of 547 quarters including playoffs played by the Raptors going back to Jan. 16, 2019. The Raptors and Celtics knelt for that moment and the playings of The Star-Spangled Banner and O Canada that immediately followed.
Doncic and Mitchell reaching new heights in the postseason
The dynamic Doncic made sure of that with a buzzer-beating, 3-pointer in overtime Sunday to cap another triple-double. Not to be outdone in the nightcap, Mitchell erupted for 51 points in Game 4 to give the sixth-seeded Utah Jazz a 3-1 lead over Denver. Mitchell is playing out of this world right now, Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. Both Doncic and Mitchell are accomplishing rarely seen postseason feats inside the bubble. Whats more, his 28-foot buzzer-beat to win was the second-longest in postseason history, the Mavericks announced on social media.
VanVleet, Powell lead Raptors past Nets 104-99 for 2-0 lead
The victory gave the Raptors a 2-0 lead in the first round plyoff series. Kyle Lowry had 21 points, nine rebounds and forced a big turnover in the closing seconds for the second seeded Raptors. But this game was much closer as the Nets built a 14-point lead in the first quarter. Toronto was in control after that, stretching the lead to eight on Powell's drive and dunk from the right wing. Caris LeVert had 16 points and 11 rebounds, Jarrett Allen and Joe Harris each had 14 points and 15 rebounds for the Nets.
Celtics build 40-point lead, roll past Raptors 122-100
And Celtics coach Brad Stevens is already making it clear if that happens, a blowout win over the Raptors now won't mean anything then. Jaylen Brown scored 20 points, Jayson Tatum added 18 and the Celtics never trailed on the way to an emphatic 122-100 win over the Raptors on Friday night. It was 91-57 entering the fourth, and the Raptors went with subs the rest of the way. Raptors: Toronto needs one win in its final four games for a fifth consecutive 50-win season. The Raptors missed nine of their first 10 shots on the way to a 12-2 early deficit, setting the tone.
NBA time zone: body clocks get a reset inside the bubble
Game days are marked by a morning shootaround, afternoon nap and then the actual contest in early evening. With 22 teams at Walt Disney World sharing facilities, things are on a precise schedule and that means its far from business as usual. Its just all the different times are a little different because we usually set our own times for practice, Clippers coach Doc Rivers said. So, on game days, whether tip-off is early or late, the Raptors -- like every team in the bubble -- have at least some experience playing at that time and can set their body clocks accordingly. Stotts reference to tonight came in a pregame interview, at 11:19 a.m.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
VanVleet scores career-best 36, Raptors top Heat 107-103
Miami Heat's Goran Dragic (7) greets Toronto Raptors' Fred VanVleet (23) after an NBA basketball game Monday, Aug. 3, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, Pool)LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. Fred VanVleet scored a career-high 36 points and made seven 3-pointers, and the defending NBA champion Toronto Raptors added to their strong restart with a 107-103 victory over the Miami Heat on Monday. Jae Crowder hit a 3 and Dragic drew a charge on VanVleet to give the Heat a chance. Heat: The Heat made just 5 of 23 3-pointers in the first half, but trailed only by four. Heat: Play Celtics on Tuesday.
Lowry scores 33 to lead Raptors to 11th straight over Lakers
They havent lost to Los Angeles since the 2014-2015 season. Lowry had a strong second half to help turn back a surge by the Lakers, the Western Conference leaders who are 1-1 in the restart. With James and Davis struggling, the Raptors jumped to a 13-0 lead behind Anunoby and Lowry before the Lakers got back into it behind their bench. The Lakers reserves outscored the Raptors 13-2 in the first quarter and 31-6 in the first half to help Los Angeles to a 44-41 halftime lead. Raptors: Torontos last regular-season game was March 9 at Utah, when it completed a five-game Western Conference road trip.
NBA: Last day of scrimmages before regular season begins July 30
There are six games for the NBAs last day of scrimmages before the regular season begins July 30. Dillion Brooks and company will have to put up a fight against Tyler Herro and the Heat to capture a win. The Heat however are coming off a loss as well to the Utah Jazz. The talent is evident on both sides with the Thunder having veteran guard Chris Paul and rising star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Dallas Mavericks vs. Philadelphia 76ers, 8:30 p.m. ESTBoth teams are coming off losses with the Mavericks dropping a game to the Indiana Pacers and the 76ers falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Down in Disney, Bucks hope to finish the job this season
FILE - In this a Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo reacts to his shot the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Milwaukee. If Antetokounmpo can shoot like that in real games, maybe the Milwaukee Bucks can finish the job and win the title this season. The Bucks are too, bringing the NBAs best record into the resumption of the season next week at Walt Disney World. The Toronto Raptors exploited that last season, with versatile, big defenders such as Kawhi Leonard, Pascal Siakam and Serge Ibaka who could keep Antetokounmpo from the rim and make him shoot outside. The Bucks believe this season they have enough to go all the way, even without getting to use the home-court advantage they likely would have earned.
NBA: Day 3 of pre-season scrimmages set to begin
Three games are set to kick off Day 3 of the NBA pre-season scrimmages. Memphis Grizzles vs. Philadelphia 76ers, 3:30 p.m. ESTRookie Ja Morant and company of the Memphis Grizzles are looking to face Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers in the first match up of the day. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Boston Celtics, 5:00 p.m. ESTNBA veteran Chris Paul and his Oklahoma City Thunder team will face off a young Boston Celtics team with Jayson Tatum at the helm. The Thunder are bringing some young talent too with rising star Shai GilgeousAlexander and rookie Darius Bazley. Houston Rockets vs. Toronto Raptors, 7:30 p.m. ESTThe Houston Rockets will be taking off with James Harden and Russell Westbrook, who just recently arrived to the bubble, and taking on the Toronto Raptors.
New NBA Power Rankings released as league aims to return this month
ORLANDO, Fla. ESPN released this weeks NBA power rankings as the league aims to return to play later this month. Touting the best recording in the league at 53-12 before the pause, the team will have a tough schedule to the championship. Philadelphia 76ers: With Ben Simmons hurt, and the season was shut down the season looked grim for the 76ers. Miami Heat: With the return of star Jimmy Butler the Heat have a good chance of having a successful return. With 41-24 record, the squad has a tough road ahead of them with games against the Bucks and the Raptors.
NBA, players sign off on final terms for restarted season
Its been over three months since the commissioners of major sports cancelled or postponed events because of the coronavirus. Enough time for us to grade them on how theyve handled the virus so far. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association have finalized terms of the deal that will allow the league to restart the season at the Disney World campus near Orlando, Florida next month. Players who tested positive must remain in self-isolation until they satisfy public health protocols for discontinuing isolation and have been cleared by a physician. The NBA suspended its season March 11 because of the virus.
Raptors arrive in Florida, set to start prepping for restart
MIAMI The Toronto Raptors arrived in southwest Florida on Monday, set to begin their preparations for next months restart of the NBA season. If the Raptors return to the NBA Finals, they could be in Florida for nearly four full months. Toronto's arrival comes as Florida is dealing with a significant spike in positive coronavirus test results over the past week. All group workouts and the official start of training camp for the resumed season will occur at Disney. The Raptors were 46-18 when the season was halted on March 11 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Latest: Beyonc single benefits Black-owned businesses
The singer's website says the song released late Friday, June 19, 2020, will benefit black-owned small businesses. (AP Photo/Ben Margot, File)TOP OF THE HOUR: Beyonc releases new single to benefit Black-owned small businesses. Nevada officials renew proposal to remove statue of McCarran. ___LOS ANGELES Beyonc did not let Juneteenth pass without dropping one of her signature surprises in the form a new single called Black Parade.The singers website says the song released late Friday will benefit Black-owned small businesses. Make America great again give me the date that America was great for everybody, Sharpton said.