The Toronto Raptors suffered a humiliating loss to the Memphis Grizzlies 155-126.
Raptors historically bad defense
The Raptors set a franchise record for the most points allowed in a game with 155. Their previous record was giving up 152 to the Los Angeles Clippers in 1997-98. Their defensive effort was non-existent in this one. The Grizzlies were scoring at will with 43 points in the first quarter and then they had another 43 point quarter in the third. They shot 53.2 percent from the field on 109 field goal attempts and 40 percent from three. The Grizzlies had a huge advantage on the glass, outrebounding Toronto 63-40. They had 24 offensive rebounds leading to 33 second-chance points. Toronto has been lifeless on defense giving up 139 points to the New York Knicks and now 155 points to the Grizzlies in back-to-back games. Rebuild or not, the Raptors defending this poorly is unacceptable.
Darko Rajakovic ejected
Rajakovic was ejected to open up the fourth quarter after what appeared to be a non-foul call on the Grizzlies. Scottie Barnes drove hard to the basket with John Konchar guarding. Then Jaren Jackson Jr. stepped in with the help defense and appeared to make contact with Barnes but there was no call which led to a Scottie Pippen Jr. bucket on the other end. Rajakovic then stormed the floor and was livid with the no-call. He had to be held back by Barnes and Ochai Agbaji before he was tossed from the game.
Zach Edey monstrous performance
Edey had a great game against his hometown team. The Raptors had no answer for Edey inside with Jakob Poeltl out with a groin injury. Edey turned in one of his best performances of the season putting up 21 points (2nd-highest), 16 rebounds (career-high), 2 blocks on 9-for-15 shooting from the field in 27 minutes of action. Edey will have to wait until Feb. 5 to play his first ever game in Toronto, but his first career game against the Raptors was impressive.
Next on tap
The Raptors will look to snap their 9-game losing streak when they return home to take on the Atlanta Hawks on Dec. 29.
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