NBA Toronto Raptors

Toronto Raptors Struggle Despite DeMar DeRozan Return

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Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Raptors still don’t have that fire they started off with at the beginning of the season despite the return of star DeMar DeRozan and winning by 16 points.

In his first game since the injury (Nov. 28), DeRozan’s long awaited return was a pleasant sight and he didn’t seem to lose his game. Often when players return after such a long absence they tend to take a few games to adjust back into full form, however, DeRozan picked up where he left off, leading his team with 20 points on 9-of-14 in 28 minutes.

An ugly game to say the least has resulted in a large victory, but the way the Raptors played was not how we have seen them this season. A slightly less energetic crowd witnessed Toronto struggle with some defensive plays and calls along with some hard offensive times to go with 17 overall turnovers. Lou Williams, who has been struggling as of late, was able to help Toronto score and play his style of defense.

Philadelphia 76ers (7-31) managed to stick around with the help of young star Michael Carter-Williams, who had another great game. In the last meeting, Toronto had only lost to the Miami Heat and were feeling hot when the Sixers first came to town, winning 120-88. The difference in that game is visible in many ways. Toronto was playing more confidently and did not want to slow their role.

Over the last several losses without DeRozan, the Raptors seemed to be less enthusiastic and energized as previous wins. In a game with limited transition plays and many foul calls, playing with high energy might not have been possible, but it would certainly have shown the Raptors are back and willing to take the No. 1 spot in the Eastern Conference back.

The Raptors’ next game, against the Atlanta Hawks (who are still on a role), might show what both teams are capable of and will surely be an intense playoff-atmosphere game.

Abdikarim Hashi is a NBA writer for RantSports,com. You could follow him on Twitter @GoldHashi, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

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