PHILADELPHIA (AP) – Kyle Lowry’s mother was at the house, representing the Raptors in a hoodie even though her son moved to Miami. But the competitive spirit Lowry left behind to make Toronto a champion has rubbed off on this year’s team.
Gary Trent Jr. and Fred VanVleet scored consecutive 3s in the final 1:10 to lead the Raptors past the undermanned Philadelphia 76ers, 115-109 on Thursday night.
VanVleet hit six 3s and scored 32 points, and Trent added 20. The Raptors lost to Boston on the front of a back-to-back, but the final 3s led to a necessary road win.
The Raptors played hard to the end, a trait that can do wonders for a team trying to surprise this season.
“He’s been in the Raptors culture for a while,” coach Nick Nurse said. “We just believe in it, we talk about it, we drill it. We hold the boys responsible. I think the most important metric is your heart, your tenacity and your desire to want to do it. Fortunately, our guys most nights will. “
Joel Embiid, Isaiah Joe and Matisse Thybulle are still in the NBA’s health and safety protocols and they were out again. Seth Curry returned from a foot injury and Tobias Harris scored 19 points on his return from a six-game absence after testing positive for COVID-19.
“We only need bodies. It is a warm body. The fact that he’s one of our best players helps, ”said coach Doc Rivers.
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The Sixers need more reinforcements and have lost three games in a row. Tyrese Maxey scored 33 points for the Sixers.
Andre Drummond had put the Sixers ahead 109-107 with 1:44 left and then followed up with a blocked shot on the next possession that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Trent, however, hit the 3-pointer with 1:10 left that put the Raptors ahead.
The Raptors led most of the fourth quarter until the Sixers had a late streak. Shake Milton hit a 3-pointer and his baseline cut it down to 92-89 before Harris scored to bring the Sixers closer to one. VanVleet and Svi Mykhailiuk, however, each buried 3-pointers that stretched the lead and OG Anunoby hit a turnover.
Anunoby then hit a 3, a 14 for the Raptors.
“He’s always been a great talent in every aspect,” Trent said. “This year, I’ve seen him lead in certain situations, find certain guys. He’s just being the best team player, that top winner. “
ADVICE
Raptors: Anunoby also scored 20 points. … He fell behind 57-52 at halftime.
76ers: Ben Simmons attended Thursday’s filming session, although there are no immediate plans for the guard to return to play. “There has been more. He’s doing all the things that I know he’s supposed to do, ”Rivers said. Rivers continues to deflect questions about Simmons, who is officially out with a bad back and mental health. Rivers said Simmons’ status is “the last thing on my mind right now.” Simmons’ agent Rich Paul told The Athletic: “This is no longer about a trade. It’s about finding a place where we can help Ben regain his mental strength and get back on the ground. I want him on the court playing the game he loves. I want Ben on the floor. Whether in the 76ers uniform or any other uniform, that’s not up to me, but I want him in a state where he can resume play. ”Simmons, a three-time All-Star, applied for a trade in the offseason and has a cold relationship with the Sixers.
WALK ON
The annual open tryout held by NBA G League teams actually loaned a player this season to the Delaware Blue Coats. Brian Cameron, a leading shooter at Division III Wesley College, went from a Delaware native to a deep reserve on the bench.
He was inactive for the opener, but was expected to make the list in Maine.
Not bad for a guard who practically stayed out for a year due to the pandemic. He impressed in open training that included former DI players and was invited to training camp. He signed a one-year contract with the Blue Coats.
“I hope I can find my way eventually,” he said. “Nothing is given. Everything is earned. That’s how I’ve been all my life coming from small schools here and there. I didn’t have the best recruits with me, or anything. I just have to show what I can contribute to the team ”.
Blue Coats general manager Prosper Karangwa said Cameron’s shots – he shot at least 45% in three of his first three college seasons – made him attractive to the team.
“I don’t think there was a day that Brian didn’t seem like he didn’t belong,” Karangwa said. “Hopefully he gets a chance to get a few minutes at some point.”
UNTIL NEXT TIME
Raptors: Come home Saturday to play Detroit.
76ers: Open a six-game road trip Saturday in Indiana.
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