Much like their Eastern Conference counterparts in the Indiana Pacers, Dwane Casey’s Toronto Raptors were able to salvage one game at home in their best-of-seven matchup against the underdog Brooklyn Nets. Star shooting guard DeMar DeRozen, who should win NBA’s Most Improved Player, led all scorers with 30 points on 9-of-21 from the field.
Meanwhile, Brooklyn’s big three in Joe Johnson, Deron Williams and Paul Pierce struggled big time. They combined to shoot just 14-of-39 from the field for 40 points. This came on the heels of them going for a combined 63 points on nearly 50 percent from the field in Game 1.
Both teams struggled a great deal from behind the arc in Toronto’s 100-95 victory. Brooklyn shot just 29 percent (7-of-24), while the Raptors were a horrible 2-of-16 from three-point land. Interestingly enough, the home-standing Raptors doubled up Brooklyn with 20 turnovers. Normally when a team shoots 12 percent from three-point land and turns the ball over 20 times, it will not come away with a victory, especially in the second season.
Brooklyn tied the game up on a Kevin Garnett dunk with just over three minutes left, but that was the closest it would get to the lead after entering the final stanza with the lead.
This big jam by @DeMar_DeRozan early in the 4th helped spark the @Raptors comeback. #BKNvsTOR
Watch: http://t.co/ggAiwrRuSo
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 23, 2014
DeRozen, doing his best to prove he’s a legit star, tallied 10 points in the final three minutes, matching the Nets complete scoring output by himself during that span. It was in this that Toronto was able to escape Game 2 with a series tie heading to Brooklyn for Game 3 on Friday.
In order for the Raptors, who were a decent 22-19 on the road during the regular season, to win this series, they’re likely going to have to sweep in Brooklyn where the Nets boasted the third-best home record in the conference.
If DeRozen’s performance was any indication, he may very well be ready to carry this team on his shoulders. It’s now going to be up to Deron Williams to do what he can as the best player on the court for Brooklyn. In any event, this matchup has seven games written all over it.
Photo: John E. Sokolowski, USA Today