After beating the New York Knicks to end 2020, the Toronto Raptors were hoping to start 2021 on an equally positive note from the New Orleans side. With the return of a suspected revenge Siakam and adjustments made to the first game of the season lost to the same team, Nick Nurse’s men were expected at the turn.
Unfortunately, a good overall collective service will not have been enough to compensate for certain individual shortcomings (see analysis). The Raptors were in the game throughout the game. But they lost on the score of 116-120. Bledsoe and Ingram having made the difference in the last minute of the game fatal to the Torontonians.
Next game on the program on Monday, with the reception of the Boston Celtics (3-3). The latter are still looking for each other and will have played the day before against the Pistons. Toronto will have to take advantage of this and sign a convincing victory to finally launch its season. Otherwise…
The thread of the match
The start of the match is rhythmic. Pelicans are skilled at long distances unlike Raptors. They logically take the lead with 6 points from Ingram (14-10). The Pels control the game under the leadership of Ingram and his 12 points. Toronto is clumsy at long distance despite open shots, like OG Anunoby (0/4). The premises take 8 lengths in advance after a double step in counterattack from Ball (22-14).
A small drop in opposing skill allows Toronto rotations to stay in the game. The Raps are 6 points behind after the first quarter (32-26).
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