The Toronto Raptors drop their third straight game of the season. They fall to the rebuilding Portland Trail Blazers 99-91.
The Raptors three-point shooting continues to be an issue. They only made four three-pointers and shot it just 13.8 percent. The Raptors bench also got outscored 33-17.
Malcolm Brogdon who is no stranger to lighting up the Raptors, finished with a game-high 21 points.
The Raptors led by three at halftime but then the Blazers outscored the Raptors 33-23 in the third quarter.
The Blazers hit 7 more threes than the Raptors in this one and DeAndre Ayton dominated on the glass. He finished this game with 23 rebounds.
The Raptors had all five of their starters finish in double-digits, but the bench didn’t pick up the slack.
Jalen McDaniels finished with 0 points and he has not registered a point so far this season. Chris Boucher and Gary Trent Jr. struggled from the field. Malachi Flynn led the second unit in scoring with 6 points but he continues to to struggle. Rookie Gradey Dick who had a season high 16 points against the 76ers on Saturday played in 21 minutes but struggled from the field. He did have some nice spots in this game as he finished with 4 points and 6 rebounds.
Three-point shooting, turnovers and half court offense continues to be an issue for the Raptors. They are last in the NBA in points per play in the half court.
The bright spot for the Raptors which is becoming a common theme so far this season is the play of Scottie Barnes. He had 20 points and 12 rebounds. He did most of his damage in the third quarter and kept the Raptors in this game.
Pascal Siakam who only attempted 8 shots on Saturday, took 21 shots against the Blazers. However, he was 0-6 from deep.
Next on tap
The Raptors need to figure it out quick because their schedule is not getting any easier.
The Raptors take on the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics over their next 5 games.
Have you subscribed to the Raptors Nation YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!
