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Rudy Gay scores 20 points in Raptors debut (Video)

By Joshua Santos

Feb 1, 2013; Toronto, ON, Canada; Toronto Raptors forward Rudy Gay (22) celebrates a basket against the Los Angeles Clippers in his debut at the Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Clippers 98-73. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2013; Toronto, ON, Canada; Toronto Raptors forward Rudy Gay (22) celebrates a basket against the Los Angeles Clippers in his debut at the Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Clippers 98-73. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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As you all may remember last week, Rudy Gay was traded in a blockbuster deal with the Memphis Grizzlies and Detroit Pistons. With new trades it takes a while for players to go through the process of being cleared to play as they have to pass physical and paperwork. However, according to Matt Moore of CBSSports, Gay was officially cleared to play on Friday against the Los Angeles Clippers. The initial word was that Gay was supposed to debut on Sunday in a game against the defending champions, Miami Heat, but it appears he got the chance to shine a bit early.

Before the game, it was exciting to see how Gay would transition with the Raptors. The only teammate he’s played with is close friend, Kyle Lowry, so the chemistry there would’ve eased the whole change for Gay. Nonetheless, with starting point guard Jose Calderon, it was intriguing to see how the Raptors offence would work.

In his debut, Gay shot 8 of 16 points from the field, and 3 of 6 from beyond the arch for three. His first field goal of the game was an alley-oop pass from DeMar DeRozan. A spectacular shot that seem fitting especially against a high-flying Clippers team known for their star-studded lobs.

One of his highlights had to be the three pointer over Caron Butler in the second quarter,  as John Lucas III dishes to Gay who nails the dagger. There were other highlights as Gay scored in the key and from long-range.

The Raptors won against the Clippers with a final score 98-73, however the Clippers were without their star point guard, Chris Paul, as he has a bruised kneecap as well, Clippers forward Matt Barnes didn’t play as he served a one game suspension.

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