The Toronto Raptors didn’t fall for the NBA’s worst roster, the Detroit Pistons, at Scotiabank Arena on Friday.
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Nick Nurse’s team got off to a flying start before winning 118-97 against the poor Pistons (16-58).
At the heart of the East playoff race, the “Rapes” (36-38) had dropped the flag in their last two games.
Pascal Siakam led the charge against Michigan with 32 points, nine assists and five rebounds. This is the first time he has collected more than 30 points in two consecutive games since February 10th.
For his part, Montreal’s Chris Boucher had his best duel in a long time. In 29 minutes he managed a double-double with 19 points and 13 rebounds.
Jaden Ivey was the Pistons’ most productive member with 20 points and eight assists.
A game to forget for Mathurin
At TD Garden, Bennedict Mathurin had the toughest game of his young pro career and the Indiana Pacers (33-41) were beaten 120-95 by the Boston Celtics (51-23).
The Montreal North native had been selected from head coach Rick Carlisle’s starting XI, but things didn’t go as planned.
Mathurin was limited to two points, a rebound and two assists in 25 minutes of play.
Aside from Myles Turner and Tyrese Haliburton, both of whom added 20 points to the board, the other Pacers players didn’t shine in the loss either.
Alongside the mighty Celtics, who are 27-9 at home, the dynamic duo Jayson Tatum (34 points) and Jaylen Brown (27 points) maneuvered at will.
In the third quarter, everything collapsed for the guests. The Celtics increased their lead to 16 points by dominating this duel 32-21.