The Toronto Raptors dropped their second game in a row and 10th straight road game to begin the season as they lose a heartbreaker to the Detroit Pistons 102-100.
Scottie Barnes came up big
Scottie Barnes came to play in this one. He scored 20 of his 31 points in the first-half. Then in the third he continued his stellar play by hitting three straight three-pointers as the Raptors erased Detroit’s early lead. Barnes had a big game on the glass hauling in 11 rebounds and he made some big time plays late in the fourth. He hit a floater over Tobias Harris which gave Toronto a late two-point lead. He got inside and found RJ Barrett who hit a three. Then Barnes got inside again to tie the game up at 100, before Jaden Ivey hit the game-winning shot for the Pistons.
Raptors dominated the glass
Going into their matchup against the Pistons, the Raptors led the league in offensive rebounding rate and they were averaging 13.9 offensive rebounds per game. They also had 17.8 second-chance points per game, which is the most in the NBA. The Raptors continued their domination in both areas in this matchup. They cleaned up on the offensive glass, grabbing a season-high 23 offensive rebounds, which led to 25 second-chance points.
Second unit delivered
Besides Barnes’ impressive play, the Raptors bench was a big reason why Toronto had a chance to win. The Raptors bench outscored the Pistons bench 41-28. Chris Boucher continued his strong season with 10 points and 7 rebounds. Meanwhile, Jamison Battle got extended playing time with Gradey Dick out and he had 9 points to go along with 4 rebounds. The bench provided the type of energy and spark the Raptors needed.
Next on tap
The Raptors will try to win their first road game of the season when they take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Nov. 27.
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