NBA Power Rankings: Here comes the trade deadline

The Raptors were able to stay ahead of the Cavaliers in the standings with three wins this week, starting with a win over the Timberwolves on Monday in a 109-104 victory. They tightened up on defense in the second half, limiting Minnesota to 18 for 44 shooting and executing down the stretch to secure their 19th home win on the season. Their defense wasn’t able to deliver a win in their next match, with Bradley Beal scoring 27 points in the fourth quarter as the Wizards rallied for a 122-119 victory over the Raptors, picking up a win without John Wall. DeMar DeRozan popped for 35 points, including six 3-pointers, tying a career high, in a 130-105 throwdown against the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Raptors offense had great rhythm in the Trail Blazers game, and when things are popping for them, they make it look so easy on offense. They had an early start on Sunday, but their reserves were able to power a victory with 52 points off the bench, lead by Delon Wright’s 15 on nine field goal attempts. Fred Van Vleet chipped in 13 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, helping lead the second unit through the fourth quarter to give their starters a bit of a breather.