By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Toronto Raptors were mostly unaware of being already eliminated from contention in the inaugural edition of the NBA’s In-Season Tournament. Nevertheless, they forced the Chicago Bulls to the outside block as well.
Experienced floor general Dennis Schroder, coming off winning gold in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, has been among the most important pieces for head coach Darko Rajakovic in the 2023-24 NBA Regular Season. In the most recent showing, British O.G. Anunoby was the driving force to balance the W-L tally to 8-8.
“Guarding the best player every night. Bring the energy on the defensive end. On the offensive end, he is special as well. He is one of the best three-point shooters in this league,” Schroder praised his teammate, “He does everything. We are glad that we have him and that he competes every single night.”
Friday’s win was fueled by six players producing at least 13 points. Besides Anunoby tying his season-high 28 points and Schroder throwing in 17 points, Austrian Jakob Poeltl fit in by posting a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double. “I am proud of a lot of guys, their unselfishness and willingness to play together,” reacted Rajakovic. All three European players started all games when available under the guidance of the Serbian play-caller.
After team practice on Saturday, the Raptors will be back on the road. A couple of away games follow on the schedule, against the Cleveland Cavaliers on the next edition of NBA Sundays and opposite the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday.
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