Toronto Raptors are in red hot form as they get the better of Brooklyn Nets in three games in a row now. The defending champions are just one victory away from entering their 5th consecutive conference semifinal. The first round fixture of Raptors vs Nets now looking one-sided with Raptors leading the charts 3-0.
Raptors looked determined from the first minute, starting the game with a three pointer. Nick Nurse’s men maintained a healthy lead throughout the game and never looked lacking in characters in the court. From offence to defense, Raptors were top-notch in every department.
Poetry by the Raptors pic.twitter.com/STO9DyxokX
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) August 21, 2020
Raptors started off quickly and finished the first quarter with 24-17 points. By the end of halftime, Raptors soon doubled down on the lead as the scoreboard showed 57-42 in Raptors’ favor after the second quarter. In this period, Raptors score 10 3-pointers that reflect their long-range shooting ability.
Nets tried their heart out to reduce the margin in the third quarter. At one point they lowered the gap to 8 points. However Raptors soon took charge as Pascal Siakam scored back-to-back triples to maintain a safe lead. The lanky Cameroonian yet had another note-worthy performance with points and rebounds to his name. End of Q3, it was 84-68 for Raptors.
All-Star at work 🌶️
24 Pts / 6 Reb / 5 Ast pic.twitter.com/bAZR2Yocdg
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) August 21, 2020
In the fourth and final quarter, it was a one-way contest as Brooklyn Nets slowly disappeared from the game with several offensive errors and missed passes. Raptors vs Nets 3rd game of the series finished with a 117-88 scoreline.
Final pic.twitter.com/XSMhnnR0H6
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) August 21, 2020
Raptors play every game as a team not depending on individual brilliance. The chemistry they have as a group is worthy of praise. They have superb squad depth as their bench players can also make a difference which was seen in today’s game. The bench players secured 47 points today.
After this match, only a miracle can save the Nets from elimination. Raptors dominated the first round of NBA playoffs and are the rightful owners of 3-0 lead. If they can continue this performance, they will be among the favorites to win the NBA Championship once again.
NBA Playoffs first round standings as of now
Nets vs Raptors: Raptors leads 3-0
Jazz vs Nuggets: Series tied at 1-1
76ers vs Celtics: Celtics leads 2-0
Mavericks vs Clippers: Series tied at 1-1
Magic vs Bucks: Series tied at 1-1
Heat vs Pacers: Heat leads 2-0
Thunder vs Rockets: Rockets leads 2-0
Lakers vs Trail Blazers: Series tied at 1-1