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NBA Power Rankings: The Heat are looking good

By Daniel Lewis

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 26: Wayne Ellington #2 of the Miami Heat reacts to a play during the game against the Orlando Magic on December 26, 2017 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 26: Wayne Ellington #2 of the Miami Heat reacts to a play during the game against the Orlando Magic on December 26, 2017 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – JANUARY 09: Josh Richardson
TORONTO, ON – JANUARY 09: Josh Richardson /

81. . . Previous: 3rd. Toronto Raptors. 5. team

The Raptors had some nice wins this week over the Nets and Cavaliers, with the team overcoming adversity that came in the form of Kyle Lowry suffering an injury and Serge Ibaka punching James Johnson to earn a suspension. DeMar DeRozan had 35 points against the Nets in an overtime victory, taking the reins of the team after Kyle Lowry fell down hard and had to leave the game with back spasms. Lowry was in good spirits after leaving the game however, telling reporters he needed a “x-ray on my ass,” according to Eric Koreen.

The Raptors lost to the Heat on the second night of a back-to-back, 90-89, with Wayne Ellington bouncing in a last-second layup for the winning bucket. Delon Wright played well in relief for Lowry against the Heat, with a couple nice drives and zero turnovers, although DeRozan did help shoulder the responsibility of leading the offense. The Raptors were outrebounded 64-37, giving up 20 offensive rebounds to the Heat. The Raptors had a blowout win over the Cavaliers, giving Isaiah Thomas fits and getting a career game from Fred Van Vleet, who had 22 points, on their way to a 133-99 win. The Raptors and Cavaliers don’t play against each other again until March 21, but they have to feel good after tonight.

The good vibes didn’t carry over into their game against the Warriors, with Golden State squeaking out a 127-125 win on the Raptors home court. The Raptors gave up 81 points to the Warriors in the first half, but didn’t stop fighting until the final buzzer, nearly completing a huge rally behind 42 points from DeMar DeRozan. Kyle Lowry missed the three games following that injury to his … tailbone.

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