10 things from Raptors-Grizzlies
Welcome to the "10 things" recap by theScore features writer William Lou. Below you'll find the major takeaways from the Toronto Raptors' 119-90 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday.
Blowout: The Grizzlies resembled a G-League team during the Raptors' blowout victory. Memphis was playing on the second night of back-to-back games without Marc Gasol, and it showed.
Explosion: Toronto outscored Memphis 45-14 in the third quarter to blow the game wide open. The Raptors drilled 10 threes in those 12 minutes, while the Grizzlies recorded more turnovers (seven) than field goals (five).
Money: Danny Green hit seven of his eight threes during the third quarter, had the capacity crowd chanting his name, and he finished his night early to a standing ovation. Memphis kept leaving Green alone in the corner, even though he was the only reliable shooter in the lineup for the Raptors. The veteran finished with 24 points on eight triples.
Cooked: Pascal Siakam also got into the action during that lopsided third quarter by faking JaMychal Green out of his shorts. Siakam sized up Green on the left block, crossed over to the middle, then quickly spun baseline to the basket. Siakam then got Green up in the air with a ball fake before pivoting and finishing on the other side of the rim. Siakam finished plus-40 on the night.
Reborn: C.J. Miles followed up his breakout against Phoenix with another positive effort versus the Grizzlies. Miles cooled off significantly after a hot start, but he disrupted passing lanes to contribute defensively throughout the game. He finished with five steals after recording just 11 prior to Saturday.
Steady: Norman Powell scored 14 bench points on 6-of-7 shooting as he continues to create good shots off the bounce. Powell is showing increased skill and finesse around the rim, and more than anything else, he's displaying better judgement when deciding whether to attack or defer.
Energetic: This was one of those games when Delon Wright decided to be assertive instead of passive. Wright was a defensive pest on and off the ball, finishing with three steals and two blocks. He also showed good chemistry with Powell in the open floor.
Confident: Chris Boucher is a joy to watch during garbage time. His objective is to jack up every available jumper, challenge everything around the basket, and make sure the TV cameras pick up his 3-point celebrations. A few weeks back he pulled out the Michael Jordan shrug, and tonight it was Carmelo Anthony's "three to the dome."
First: Pat McCaw recorded his first basket as a member of the Raptors by picking up a loose ball and taking it the length of the floor for a scooping layup in traffic. McCaw also used his 6-foot-10 wingspan to notch an impressive swat in traffic.
Useful: The Grizzlies have a few interesting pieces should they decide to sell at the trade deadline. Justin Holiday and Garrett Temple are both serviceable 3-and-D wings, while Omri Casspi can be an impact bench player.