The Toronto Raptors have struggled at times with overall consistency in their play in 2019-20. However it has been a definite challenge for the franchise to stay healthy.
In a 122-104 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on November 8, Kyle Lowry broke his thumb and Serge Ibaka sprained his ankle. Then on December 18, shortly after the Raptors got Lowry and Ibaka back, the team suffered three more injuries in a 112-99 win over the Detroit Pistons. Pascal Siakam injured his groin, Norman Powell injured his shoulder and Marc Gasol injured his hamstring.
On Wednesday, the Raptors came very close to having a healthy lineup. The only one that was missing was Fred VanVleet, who is out with a hamstring ailment of his own. The offense was sensational as Toronto put together a 130-121 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Yes, the Raptors did give up 121 points, but the fact their offense was clicking is something Canadian basketball fans had an opportunity to get excited over. It was Powell, who came off the Raptors bench to lead the way with 23 points.
On Friday, Raptors fans saw Toronto score even more points than they did on Wednesday. In beating the Washington Wizards by 29 points, the Raptors tied a franchise record for most points in a game with 140 in a 140-111 win. Ironically, the Wizards were the Raptors opponent on January 13, 2019 when Toronto initially broke the franchise record for points in a game. On this night a year ago Toronto beat Washington 140-138 in double overtime.
In the Raptors win Friday, Powell once again led the Raptors in scoring as he had 28 points off the bench. Toronto improved to a record of 27 wins and 14 losses, and showed that if healthy, could just be an elite team once again in the Eastern Conference. The Milwaukee Bucks are the team to beat, but the Raptors could make some significant noise as the season progresses.
