Toronto Raptors record third victory in NBA 2012-13

By Luther Jefferson

TORONTO, Canada (TheSportsNEXT) November 19, 2012: Toronto Raptors recorded their third victory in the NBA 2012-13 and only the second in their last seven games here Sunday when they used the home advantage to their liking against Orlando Magic.

A glittering show by DeMar DeRozan, who struck 20 points besides delivering nine rebounds, made sure that the hosts Toronto Raptors keep the visiting Orlando Magic at bay as they won the game by 97-86.

Apart from DeRozan, Jose Calderon was also in a mood of going that extra yard as he scored 18 assists for the Toronto Raptors who broke open a close game with a 24-12 run down the stretch to win going away.

Andrea Bargnani also delivered the goods with 17 points for the Toronto Raptors who are languishing at the last position in the NBA Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference.

Orlando Magic dearly missed the services of JJ Redick who was not available for the game due to illness as E'Twaun Moore took most part of the work-load and scored 16 points while Glen Davis hit 16 to go with 12 rebounds.

This is the sixth defeat for the Orlando Magic in their last seven games as they are at fourth position in the NBA Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference with three victories from nine games this season.

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NBA 2013: Oklahoma City Thunder maul Toronto Raptors 108-88

By Lindy Rumer

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, United States (TheSportsNEXT) November 7, 2012: Oklahoma City Thunder posted their second victory in four games in the NBA 2013 on Tuesday when they mauled visiting Toronto Raptors by 108-88.

It was Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka once again who served the massive blows for the OKC Thunder as they teamed up for 36 points which helped the hosts to record a comfortable victory in the end.

Russell Westbrook scored 19 points as well as delivering eight assists while Serge Ibaka hit 17 points on 8-of-9 shooting as the OKC Thunder surged to eighth position in the NBA Western Conference leader-board.

Kevin Durant and Kevin Martin also injected their inputs in the impressive victory with both of them scoring 15 points each.

Toronto Raptors who have now lost three out of their four games were paced up by rookie center Jonas Valanciunas with 18 points and Andrea Bargani with 16 points but they never had the resources to severely challenge the Oklahoma City Thunder in their backyard.

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Brooklyn Nets give Sandy-victims a victory to cheer

By Lindy Rumer

WASHINGTON, United States (TheSportsNEXT) November 4, 2012: Brooklyn Nets began their NBA stint on a winning note on Saturday as they gave the Sandy-stricken fans something to cheer about with 107-100 victory over Toronto Raptors at the Barclays Center.

Super-storm Sandy devastated the US states located on the eastern coast last week and inflicted an estimated 50 billion US dollars worth of economic losses in shape of severe property damage, shut-down subways and power outages. The loss to human life was way bigger than the financial losses and as the New York City returns to life at a snail’s pace, the Brooklyn Nets added some motivation to it by winning the first game in their new home.

Brooke Lopez provided the lethal punch for the Brooklyn Nets as he scored 27 points including the late 3-pointer which he connected with only 59 seconds left to give his side a 100-97 lead which proved quite timely and effective for the home side.

Brooklyn Nets, who were playing their first-ever game in Brooklyn after relocating from New Jersey, had to wait for making their debut at the Barclays Center as the Hurricane Sandy forced the organizers to postpone the scheduled game from Thursday to Saturday.

Apart from Brook Lopez, Joe Johnson scored 14 points while CJ Watson went 6-of-9 off the bench for 15 points as the New York City celebrated the return of professional sports back to Brooklyn for the first time since the baseball Dodgers moved to Los Angeles in 1957.

The Toronto Raptors remained in the reckoning till final minutes of the game as Kyle Lowry hit 28 points and eight rebounds while DeMar DeRozan scored 25 points but they lacked the execution to seal the deal.

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