The Toronto Raptors looked to be stringing together a nice win streak despite some poor defensive performances. The team blew a 17-point lead against the Brooklyn Nets on Friday before getting the overtime win. Then, they blew an 18-point lead against the Washington Wizards and got another overtime win. However, their luck ran out against the Milwaukee Bucks when they scored just 75 points at home. Now the Raptors are aiming to bounce back as they face the Nets once again at home.
Toronto had one of their worst games against the Bucks, putting together their fewest amount of home points since a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers back in 2012. They shot just 32.1 percent overall, their worst of the year. Kyle Lowry was a cause for concern, putting up just two points and five assists despite averaging 19.0 points and scoring 23 against the Wizards. According to head coach Dwane Casey, Toronto is in a funk, going 7-3 in their last 10 games. After a few days off, the team must now bounce back against Brooklyn.
The Nets have defensive issues of their own, but managed to snap a four-game losing streak with a win over the Los Angeles Clippers. The team has allowed six straight opponents get at least 100 points while allowing an averaging 118.0 overall. They got the win over the Clippers thanks to a last-minute jumper from Jarrett Jack after Brooklyn rallied from a 9-point deficit. Deron Williams returned in that game for the first time since missing 11 straight games. He put 15 points while Brook Lopez and Joe Johnson combined for 46 overall.
Williams must improve now that he is healthy. The point guard has been suffering from a fractured rib. Head coach Lionel Hollins is not about to guarantee the veteran's starting spot upon his return simply because Williams has not been playing well enough. In his last game against Toronto, he had just 11 points total.
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