Grizzlies at Raptors final score: Toronto outlasts Memphis, 99-86
By Brad Rowland
The Memphis Grizzlies traveled to Canada to face off with the Toronto Raptors on Friday night, and after what many thought was the best match-up of the night concluded, they were unable to snatch up a road win. The hometown Raptors were able to score efficiently against of the league’s best defenses, and in the end, Toronto emerged victorious by a final of 99-86.
With the exception of a relatively high turnover total of 16, the Raptors put together a highly impressive offensive performance. Toronto shot 50.7% from the floor and 52.9% (9 for 17) from 3-point range, and it was a highly balanced effort from the pride of Canada.
Kyle Lowry, as he has been all season, was the best player on the floor for the Raps in this one, flirting with a triple-double on the way to 22 points (including 4 for 7 from three), 12 assists, and 7 rebounds. In support of Lowry, big man Jonas Valanciunas had a big night with 23 points and 9 rebounds, while Greivis Vasquez came off the bench and had a big night with 17 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals in just 28 minutes.
On the Memphis side, it wasn’t a disastrous performance, but it is somewhat uncharacteristic to see them give up easy baskets defensively. There wasn’t a single standout performance offensively, either, as Zach Randolph led the way with 16 points, and the Grizz shot themselves in the foot with 9 missed free throws for good measure.
Everyone is allowed a stinker from time to time, but this may have been the most lackluster defensive showing from the Grizzlies with Marc Gasol in the lineup all season.