WEATHER ALERT
The NBA's Southeast Division is struggling. There's still hope for the Hawks, Magic and Heat
Read full article: The NBA's Southeast Division is struggling. There's still hope for the Hawks, Magic and HeatThis fall will mark the 10th anniversary of the NBA changing its playoff rules and not guaranteeing a division champion a top-four seed regardless of their record.
Miami Heat acquire guard Davion Mitchell in trade with Toronto Raptors
Read full article: Miami Heat acquire guard Davion Mitchell in trade with Toronto RaptorsThe Miami Heat have made a move to bolster their backcourt, acquiring guard Davion Mitchell from the Toronto Raptors in a trade reported Thursday by ESPNās Shams Charania.
Brandon Ingram is going to the Raptors, Bruce Brown and Kelly Olynyk to the Pelicans, AP source says
Read full article: Brandon Ingram is going to the Raptors, Bruce Brown and Kelly Olynyk to the Pelicans, AP source saysThe Toronto Raptors are acquiring Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Bruce Brown and Kelly Olynyk, a person with knowledge of the talks said.
Wizards trading Valanciunas to the Kings for Cissoko and 2 2nd-round draft picks
Read full article: Wizards trading Valanciunas to the Kings for Cissoko and 2 2nd-round draft picksThe Washington Wizards have agreed to trade center Jonas Valanciunas to the Sacramento Kings for Sidy Cissoko and second-round draft picks in 2028 and 2029.
Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro help the Heat beat the Raptors 114-104 for 4th straight victory
Read full article: Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro help the Heat beat the Raptors 114-104 for 4th straight victoryBam Adebayo had 21 points and 16 rebounds and five assists and the Miami Heat beat the Toronto Raptors 114-104 on Thursday night for their fourth straight victory.
Butler scores 26, Herro adds 23 and Adebayo has triple-double as Miami tops Toronto 121-111
Read full article: Butler scores 26, Herro adds 23 and Adebayo has triple-double as Miami tops Toronto 121-111Jimmy Butler scored 26 points, Tyler Herro added 23 and the Miami Heat beat the Toronto Raptors 121-111 on Friday night.
Hapless Pelicans 'embarrassed' by their 'disgusting' loss to the struggling Raptors
Read full article: Hapless Pelicans 'embarrassed' by their 'disgusting' loss to the struggling RaptorsDejounte Murray says his New Orleans Pelicans teammates should be āembarrassedā and āreally madā about their latest loss.
Raptors and Scottie Barnes agree on $225M extension, which could grow to about $270M, AP source says
Read full article: Raptors and Scottie Barnes agree on $225M extension, which could grow to about $270M, AP source saysScottie Barnes and the Toronto Raptors have agreed to terms on a max extension, one that will be worth about $225 million over five years and could reach about $270 million if he meets supermax criteria, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.
NBA bans Jontay Porter after gambling probe shows he shared information, bet on games
Read full article: NBA bans Jontay Porter after gambling probe shows he shared information, bet on gamesThe NBA has banned Toronto player Jontay Porter after a league probe found he disclosed confidential information to sports bettors and bet on games.
The NBA play-in games are set. It'll be Heat-76ers, Hawks-Bulls, Lakers-Pelicans and Warriors-Kings
Read full article: The NBA play-in games are set. It'll be Heat-76ers, Hawks-Bulls, Lakers-Pelicans and Warriors-KingsLeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are staying in New Orleans for a couple more days.
Heat never trail on the way to a 125-103 win over Raptors, keeping playoff hope going
Read full article: Heat never trail on the way to a 125-103 win over Raptors, keeping playoff hope goingWhen the final whistle blows in Miami on Sunday, the Heat might be in the playoffs. They might also be back in the play-in tournament.
Coyotes players informed the team is expected to move to Salt Lake City, AP source says
Read full article: Coyotes players informed the team is expected to move to Salt Lake City, AP source saysArizona Coyotes players have been informed the NHL club is expected to relocate to Salt Lake City, a person with knowledge of the meeting tells The Associated Press.
Raptors star Scottie Barnes out indefinitely with broken middle finger on left hand
Read full article: Raptors star Scottie Barnes out indefinitely with broken middle finger on left handToronto Raptors star Scottie Barnes will be sidelined indefinitely after he broke the middle finger on his left hand during the first half of Friday nightās loss to Golden State.
Raptors overcome 45-point game from Miles Bridges to beat Hornets 123-117
Read full article: Raptors overcome 45-point game from Miles Bridges to beat Hornets 123-117RJ Barrett scored 23 points, Jakob Poeltl had two big plays in the final minute and the Toronto Raptors overcame a career-high 45 points from Miles Bridges to beat Charlotte 123-117 and hand the Hornets their ninth straight loss.
Trent scores season-high 28 points, Barrett adds 26 as Raptors rout Heat 121-97
Read full article: Trent scores season-high 28 points, Barrett adds 26 as Raptors rout Heat 121-97Gary Trent Jr. scored a season-high 28 points, RJ Barrett had 26 and the Toronto Raptors never trailed in a 121-97 win over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night.
Pascal Siakam traded to the Pacers, while Raptors collect 3 1st-rounders
Read full article: Pascal Siakam traded to the Pacers, while Raptors collect 3 1st-roundersPascal Siakam was traded to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night, ending a run of nearly eight years with the Toronto Raptors during which he was a two-time All-NBA selection, two-time All-Star and part of the team that won the 2019 NBA title.
Toronto coach pounds table, rips officials after Lakers hold off Raptors 132-131 behind Davis' 41
Read full article: Toronto coach pounds table, rips officials after Lakers hold off Raptors 132-131 behind Davis' 41Toronto coach Darko Rajakovic went on a furious, table-pounding tirade over the officiating after the Los Angeles Lakers shot 23 free throws in the fourth quarter of a 132-131 win over the Raptors.
Pistons beat Raptors 129-127 to end NBA record-tying losing streak at 28 games
Read full article: Pistons beat Raptors 129-127 to end NBA record-tying losing streak at 28 gamesCade Cunningham had 30 points and 12 assists as the Detroit Pistons ended their NBA record-tying losing streak at 28 games with a 129-127 win over the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night.
Knicks trade RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to Raptors for OG Anunoby
Read full article: Knicks trade RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to Raptors for OG AnunobyThe New York Knicks traded RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to the Toronto Raptors on Saturday and got back OG Anunoby, dealing two of their top offensive players but likely getting a boost to their defense.
Martin has season-high 24 points and career-high 12 rebounds as Heat beat Raptors 112-103
Read full article: Martin has season-high 24 points and career-high 12 rebounds as Heat beat Raptors 112-103Caleb Martin had a season-high 24 points and a career-best 12 rebounds, Duncan Robinson scored 21 points and the Miami Heat beat the Toronto Raptors 112-103 on Wednesday night.
Local broadcasts for 15 NBA teams will remain on Bally Sports after agreement
Read full article: Local broadcasts for 15 NBA teams will remain on Bally Sports after agreementThe NBA and Diamond Sports Group, the largest owner of regional sports networks, have reached an agreement that will keep local broadcasts for 15 teams on Bally Sports through the end of this season.
Knicks sue Raptors, accusing foe of using ex-Knicks employee as 'mole' to steal scouting secrets
Read full article: Knicks sue Raptors, accusing foe of using ex-Knicks employee as 'mole' to steal scouting secretsThe New York Knicks are suing the Toronto Raptors, the Raptors head coach and a former Knicks employee, saying the worker stole thousands of videos and other scouting secrets to give to his new Canadian employer.
Mark Jackson laid off by ESPN with Doris Burke and Doc Rivers slated as replacements, AP source says
Read full article: Mark Jackson laid off by ESPN with Doris Burke and Doc Rivers slated as replacements, AP source saysAdd Mark Jackson to the list of ESPN reporters and commentators who have been laid off over the past five weeks.
LaVine scores 39, Bulls beat Raptors 109-105 in play-in game
Read full article: LaVine scores 39, Bulls beat Raptors 109-105 in play-in gameZach LaVine scored 39 points, DeMar DeRozan had 23 against his former team and the Chicago Bulls overcame a 19-point deficit to beat the Toronto Raptors 109-105 in a play-in tournament game.
Russell scores 28 points in return, Lakers beat Raptors
Read full article: Russell scores 28 points in return, Lakers beat RaptorsDāAngelo Russell had 28 points and nine assists in his dynamic return from a six-game injury absence, and Dennis Schrƶder added 23 points and seven assists in the Los Angeles Lakersā 122-112 victory over the Toronto Raptors.
Anunoby has season-high 32 points, Raptors beat Heat 112-104
Read full article: Anunoby has season-high 32 points, Raptors beat Heat 112-104O.G. Anunoby scored a season-high 32 points and matched his season high with 10 rebounds and the Toronto Raptors used a 21-0 run in the third quarter to beat Miami 112-104 on Wednesday night, ending the Heatās winning streak at three.
Embiid scores 33 points, 76ers finish off Raptors in Game 6
Read full article: Embiid scores 33 points, 76ers finish off Raptors in Game 6Joel Embiid had 33 points and 10 rebounds, James Harden added 22 points and 15 assists and the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Toronto Raptors 132-97 in Game 6 to end the first-round series Thursday night.
Maxey breaks out for 38 points, 76ers beat Raptors in Game 1
Read full article: Maxey breaks out for 38 points, 76ers beat Raptors in Game 1Tyrese Maxey had the breakout game of his young career, scoring 21 of his playoff career-high 38 points in the third quarter to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 131-111 Game 1 win over the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night.
Lowry has 16 points, 10 assists as Heat beat Raptors 114-109
Read full article: Lowry has 16 points, 10 assists as Heat beat Raptors 114-109Kyle Lowry had 16 points and 10 assists against his former team, Max Strus scored all of his 23 points in the second half, and the Miami Heat beat the Toronto Raptors 114-109.
VanVleet, Raptors delay Popovich's record in win over Spurs
Read full article: VanVleet, Raptors delay Popovich's record in win over SpursFred VanVleet had 26 points and the Toronto Raptors beat the San Antonio Spurs 119-104 on Wednesday night, delaying Gregg Popovichās coronation as the winningest coach in NBA history.
Doncic leads streaking Mavericks to 102-98 win over Raptors
Read full article: Doncic leads streaking Mavericks to 102-98 win over RaptorsLuka Doncic scored a season-high 41 points, including a clutch 3-pointer with 1:01 to play, and tied a season best with 14 rebounds as the surging Dallas Mavericks held off the Toronto Raptors 102-98.
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Anunoby has career-best 36, Raptors beat Knicks 113-104
Read full article: Anunoby has career-best 36, Raptors beat Knicks 113-104OG Anunoby scored a career-high 36 points and the Toronto Raptors won their fourth straight by beating the New York Knicks 113-104 in the 75th anniversary of the NBAās first game.
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Canada basketball loads camp roster for Tokyo qualifying bid
Read full article: Canada basketball loads camp roster for Tokyo qualifying bidVirtually all of Canadaās top NBA players, excluding those who are injured, have accepted invitations to attend training camp next month in advance of that countryās last chance to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.
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Lowry leads depleted Raptors past Lakers; LeBron exits early
Read full article: Lowry leads depleted Raptors past Lakers; LeBron exits earlyKyle Lowry had 37 points and 11 assists, Pascal Siakam had 39 points and 13 rebounds and the short-handed Toronto Raptors defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 121-114.
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Knicks extend winning streak to 9, beat Raptors 120-103
Read full article: Knicks extend winning streak to 9, beat Raptors 120-103Julius Randle had 31 points and 10 rebounds, RJ Barrett had 25 points and 12 boards, and the New York Knicks beat the Toronto Raptors 120-103 for their ninth straight victory.
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Trade deadline passes, and Kyle Lowry remains with Raptors
Read full article: Trade deadline passes, and Kyle Lowry remains with RaptorsToronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) celebrates a three-point basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets Wednesday, March 24, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)Kyle Lowry wound up staying with Toronto after all. The trade deadline has come and gone. āAnytime you trade a player like Nikola, it is a tough decision to make," Magic President Jeff Weltman said. But Lowry ā a free-agent-to-be and considered perhaps the biggest prize on this year's trade market ā did not get traded, the Raptors apparently unable to find enough assets to their liking. Questions swirled around Lowry all the way to the 3 p.m. EST deadline, and there were signs that the Raptors were positioning themselves to make the move.
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Rockets end skid at 20, Wall has 1st triple-double since '16
Read full article: Rockets end skid at 20, Wall has 1st triple-double since '16Houston Rockets' John Wall (1) drives on Toronto Raptors' Fred VanVleet (23) during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game Monday, March 22, 2021, in Houston. But Wall had 19 points, 10 assists and 11 rebounds, his first triple-double since March 17, 2016. The Rockets closed out the third quarter with an 88-86 lead and opened the fourth quarter on a 9-1 run to pull away. AdThe Raptors led 28-27 at the end of the first quarter. In their losing streak, Houston led after the first quarter only three times, including on Feb. 26 when they led the Raptors 31-30.
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Raptors' Nurse fined $50,000 for mask-throwing, profanity
Read full article: Raptors' Nurse fined $50,000 for mask-throwing, profanityNurse was upset at the end of Toronto's 115-112 loss to the Utah Jazz, a game in which the Jazz took 41 free throws, compared with the Raptors' 14. After the game, Nurse said it ājust didnāt seem like they were going to let us win tonight,ā without offering specifics. The 27-shot difference in free throw attempts between the teams was the second largest in the NBA this season, topped by the 28-shot difference Houston had over Golden State on Wednesday. Entering Sunday, the Raptors were shooting 4.5 free throws per game fewer than opponents this season, the second-largest disparity in the league. Ad___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
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Raptors' virus issues worsen, game vs. Bulls called off
Read full article: Raptors' virus issues worsen, game vs. Bulls called off(AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)The Toronto Raptorsā issues with the coronavirus have worsened, prompting the NBA to call off their game scheduled for Sunday night against the Chicago Bulls. Toronto played Friday without head coach Nick Nurse, several other assistants and staffers and starting forward Pascal Siakam because of virus-related issues. The Raptors-Bulls game is the 30th to be postponed so far this season because of COVID-19 testing or contact tracing. All NBA players and coaches are tested daily. During the season's second half, which runs from March 10 through May 16, the Raptors and Bulls share 19 days without a game on their schedules.
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The Latest: U.S. FDA approves J&J single-shot vaccine
Read full article: The Latest: U.S. FDA approves J&J single-shot vaccineThis July 2020 photo provided by Johnson & Johnson shows a vial of the COVID-19 vaccine. ___BISMARCK, N.D. ā Nearly 10% of residents in North Dakota have completed both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. More than 981,000 Indiana residents have received a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 552,241 are fully vaccinated. ___RAMALLAH, West Bank ā The Palestinian government announced a 12-day lockdown in the Israeli-occupied West Bank after a surge in coronavirus cases, including new variants. ___WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. ā The Navajo Nation has continued on a downward trend in the number of daily coronavirus cases.
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Depleted Raptors hand Rockets 10th straight loss
Read full article: Depleted Raptors hand Rockets 10th straight loss(AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)TAMPA, Fla. ā Norman Powell scored 30 points, Kyle Lowry had a triple-double and the depleted Toronto Raptors beat the Houston Rockets 122-111 on Friday night. AdLowry had 20 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists to help the Raptors hand the Rockets their 10th straight loss. Victor Oladipo led the Rockets with 27 points, and John Wall had 21 points and 12 assists. TIP-INSRockets: The last time the Rockets lost 10 straight games was Nov. 23-Dec. 20, 2001 during a 15-game losing streak. Raptors: The Raptors have not been involved in any of the NBA's 29 coronavirus postponements so far this season.
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Warriors G League G Jeremy Lin experienced racism on court
Read full article: Warriors G League G Jeremy Lin experienced racism on courtFILE - In this March 28, 2019, file photo, Toronto Raptors' Jeremy Lin stands on the court during the second half of the team's NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks in New York. Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr will support G League guard Lin and is hopeful of an investigation into what discriminatory act caused Lin to speak out about racism facing Asian Americans. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)SAN FRANCISCO ā Warriors G League guard Jeremy Lin shared on social media that he experienced an act of racism on the court. Golden State coach Steve Kerr said he will support Lin and denounced any discriminatory act that caused Lin to speak out about racism targeting Asian Americans. Being a 9-year NBA veteran doesnāt protect me from being called ācoronavirusā on the court,ā Lin wrote.
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Virus sidelines Raptors coaches, Siakam for Rockets game
Read full article: Virus sidelines Raptors coaches, Siakam for Rockets gameToronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse talks to players during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, in Minneapolis. Assistant coach Sergio Scariolo was promoted to coach the team's game in Tampa, Florida, against the Rockets. Scariolo had been away from the Raptors while coaching Spain in FIBA's EuroBasket 2022 qualifiers and just cleared quarantine Friday. AdāI don't know how many hundreds or thousands of games he's been a head coach," Raptors general manager Bobby Webster said about Scariolo. Webster said the team isn't certain if Siakam's issue is related to the issue with the coaching staff.
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Butler leads Heat to 4th straight win, 116-108 over Raptors
Read full article: Butler leads Heat to 4th straight win, 116-108 over RaptorsJimmy Butler and Andre Iguodala of the Miami Heat celebrate against the Toronto Raptors during the fourth quarter at American Airlines Arena on February 24, 2021 in Miami, Florida. MIAMI ā Jimmy Butler scored 27 points and had 14 of them in the fourth quarter as the Miami Heat won their fourth consecutive game by topping the Toronto Raptors 116-108. Butler also had 10 assists and eight rebounds for the Heat. It was the eighth win in the last 11 games for the Heat. Kyle Lowry returned from a thumb injury and scored 24 for Toronto.
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Wizards to rest scoring leader Beal for 1st time this season
Read full article: Wizards to rest scoring leader Beal for 1st time this seasonWashington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) shoots against Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)WASHINGTON ā NBA scoring leader Bradley Beal will be held out of a game for rest for the first time this season, sitting out Washington's matchup with the New York Knicks on Friday. Beal is averaging 32.8 points and 35.3 minutes per game for Washington (6-16), which is among the league's worst teams. The only previous game Beal missed this season was a loss to the Miami Heat on Jan. 9 because of the league's COVID-19 protocols. Washington's other starting guard, Russell Westbrook ā who was acquired in a trade with Houston before the season ā has missed seven games this season for rest or because of injury.
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Raptors to keep calling Tampa home for rest of season
Read full article: Raptors to keep calling Tampa home for rest of seasonToronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43) passes the ball over Orlando Magic guard Terrence Ross (31) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)The Toronto Raptors arenāt going back to Toronto this season. āIt took us a while to get settled in," Raptors coach Nick Nurse said Thursday before Toronto played at Boston. The Raptors are 6-5 in their āhomeā building this season, Amalie Arena, which theyāre sharing with the Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning. Tampa also has the reigning Super Bowl champion Buccaneers and the Tampa Bay Rays played in the World Series last season. The Raptors tried to simulate the comforts the team has at home in Toronto, at least as much as possible.
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Durant out until Friday for coronavirus protocol reasons
Read full article: Durant out until Friday for coronavirus protocol reasons(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)NEW YORK ā Kevin Durant will miss at least three games for coronavirus health and safety protocols before being eligible to return to the Brooklyn Nets on Friday. That means the superstar's return could come next Saturday at Golden State, where Durant won two NBA titles in three seasons. Durant drove in a car with a team employee three times Friday, according to a person with knowledge of the details. Both Durant and the employee were seemingly not wearing masks, the person told The Associated Press. AdThough Durant continued to test negative, he is a close contact of the employee who tested positive and faces the mandatory seven-day quarantine.
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Durant can't start, can't finish game for virus protocols
Read full article: Durant can't start, can't finish game for virus protocols(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)NEW YORK ā Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant couldn't start a game and then couldn't finish it, removed in the third quarter because of the NBA's health and safety protocols. āThey just said contract tracing and Iām thinking to myself, āWell, if itās contact tracing, then weāre all in the locker room together. He said someone whom Durant interacted with in the afternoon had an inconclusive test result return shortly before the game. āDuring the game, a positive result was returned for the person Durant interacted with. He tested positive for the virus in March while he was recovering from Achilles tendon surgery.
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VanVleet sets Raptors mark with 54 in 123-108 win at Orlando
Read full article: VanVleet sets Raptors mark with 54 in 123-108 win at OrlandoToronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet, left, drives around Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)ORLANDO, Fla. ā Fred VanVleet set a franchise record with 54 points and hit a career-best 11 3-pointers as the Toronto Raptors beat the short-handed Orlando Magic 123-108 on Tuesday night. AdNorman Powell had 23 points for Toronto, and Kyle Lowry posted a triple-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Orlando, which has lost 12 of 14, tried almost every guard on its roster against the 6-foot-1 VanVleet with little to no success. AdMagic: Orlando was without Gordon, who severely sprained his left ankle later in Sundayās game against Toronto. Magic: Orlando hosts Chicago on Friday and Saturday in a two-game set.
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Heat comeback effort falls short, Raptors win 101-81
Read full article: Heat comeback effort falls short, Raptors win 101-81Norman Powell of the Toronto Raptors shoots during a game against the Miami Heat at Amalie Arena on January 22, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. TAMPA, Fla. ā Norman Powell scored 23 points, OG Anunoby added 21 and the Toronto Raptors recovered in the second half after blowing a 21-point lead to beat the Miami Heat 101-81. Pascal Siakam had 15 points and 14 rebounds for the Raptors, who never trailed on their way to avenging a loss to the Heat on Wednesday night. Bam Adebayo had 14 points and eight rebounds. Miami will look to bounce back from the loss on Saturday night when they face James Harden and the Nets in Brooklyn.
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Nunn, Adebayo lead Heat past Raptors 111-102
Read full article: Nunn, Adebayo lead Heat past Raptors 111-102Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat passes away from Kyle Lowry of the Toronto Raptors during a game at Amalie Arena on January 20, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. TAMPA ā Kendrick Nunn scored 28 points and the injury-plagued Miami Heat pulled away in the second half for a 111-102 win over the Toronto Raptors. Bam Adebayo had 14 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists for Miami and Kelly Olynyk added 15 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Nunn had scored just 33 points all season before his 18-point game on Monday night. Fred VanVleet had 24 points and nine assists for the Raptors whose three-game winning streak ended.
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The Latest: Raptors to play without fans in Tampa for now
Read full article: The Latest: Raptors to play without fans in Tampa for now(AP Photo/Matt Dunham)The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:___The Toronto Raptors wonāt have fans at home games in Tampa, Florida, until at least Feb. 5. Because of Canadaās border restrictions and rising COVID-19 cases, the Raptors were forced to play their home games out of Tampa for at least the first half of the season. On Friday, Bruce said it was āmorally wrongā for football to continue amid the latest outbreak, which has affected a number of teams. ___A third United Arab Emirates cricket player has tested positive and forced the scheduled one-day international against Ireland in Abu Dhabi on Sunday to be postponed to next Saturday. The 73-year-old coach said earlier this week e and his wife were placed into quarantine after a family member tested positive for COVID-19.
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The Latest: Pittsburgh-Duke men's basketball postponed
Read full article: The Latest: Pittsburgh-Duke men's basketball postponed(AP Photo/Darren Abate)The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:___The Atlantic Coast Conference announced that the Pittsburgh-Duke menās basketball game scheduled for Tuesday has been postponed because of COVID-19 issues. ___Syracuse's womenās basketball game against North Carolina scheduled for Thursday has been postponed. The decision was made out of an abundance of caution after confirmation of a positive COVID-19 test within the Syracuse program announced on Sunday. ___Vanderbilt womenās basketball has postponed the first three Southeastern Conference games of the league schedule as it deals with positive COVID-19 tests, contact tracing and quarantines. The Spurs announced Monday that their home games will remain without fans for now.
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AP source: Duke women end basketball season amid virus
Read full article: AP source: Duke women end basketball season amid virusThe Duke women's basketball team has ended its season amid the coronavirus pandemic, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)The Duke women's basketball team has ended its season amid the coronavirus pandemic, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press. The womenās basketball team has been on pause since Dec. 16 because of two positive COVID-19 tests and contact tracing within the programās travel party. The Ivy League opted out of playing winter sports in November before the basketball season started. See just what would be best?āThe virus has already caused many games to be canceled or postponed in the first month of the season.
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We The South: The Raptors settling into their Tampa home
Read full article: We The South: The Raptors settling into their Tampa homeThe Toronto Raptors and the Miami Heat tip off to start during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, in Tampa, Fla. The Raptors are playing their home games in Tampa as a result of Canada's strict travel regulations stemming from the coronavirus pandemic. Familiarity is where we thrive,ā said Teresa Resch, the Raptorsā vice president of basketball operations and one of the guiding forces behind the teamās move to Tampa. āThe Toronto Raptors and their fans will not be disappointed here in Tampa Bay,ā Tampa Mayor Jane Castor saidThe last time Tampa was on the NBAās schedule prior to this season was in 2010, when Miami and Orlando were supposed to meet there in a preseason game. At least 17 times in the next 2 Ā½ months, the Raptors will be calling a court in Tampa home.
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Canada reviewing NBA plan to play in Toronto amid pandemic
Read full article: Canada reviewing NBA plan to play in Toronto amid pandemicTORONTO, ONT ā The Canadian government is reviewing a proposal from the NBA and the Raptors to play in Toronto amid the pandemic. This is not a next week type thing.āThe Raptors and the NBA need an exemption to a requirement that anyone entering Canada for nonessential reasons must self-isolate for 14 days. We are reviewing a proposal from the NBA and the Toronto Raptors for the resumption of NBA basketball in Canada.āThe NBA season is set to open Dec. 22, with training camps beginning in about two weeks. The Canadian government requites a comprehensive public health plan and written support from local health officials. The plan is being reviewed by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
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AP source: Lakers on verge of acquiring Dennis Schrƶder
Read full article: AP source: Lakers on verge of acquiring Dennis SchrƶderTeams may begin making trades Monday, according to a memo sent to teams and obtained early Sunday by The Associated Press. And the first deal known to be tentatively agreed upon would send guard Dennis Schrƶder from Oklahoma City to the champion Los Angeles Lakers for Danny Green and the No. The ātemporary transaction moratoriumā across the league ends Monday at noon Eastern, the league told teams. Also officially due Monday: All-NBA forward Anthony Davisā decision on his $28.7 million option year with the Lakers, one that he will formally decline in favor of signing a long-term and huge money contract with that club. Nicolas Batumās $27.1 million option decision with Charlotte is also due Monday.
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Bjorkgren describes plan to take Pacers in new direction
Read full article: Bjorkgren describes plan to take Pacers in new directionINDIANAPOLIS ā New Indiana Pacers coach Nate Bjorkgren went right to work Wednesday. Less than 24 hours after accepting the job, the 45-year-old former Toronto Raptors assistant started explaining his plan. āThere are people in this world who bring energy and you like being around them," Pritchard said after introducing Bjorkgren on a Zoom call. But the first-time NBA head coach certainly presented a different kind of vision, one Pacers fans may embrace after watching years of stodgy, half-court basketball. Bjorkgren developed his coaching style working largely with Raptors coach Nick Nurse.
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Raptors sign coach Nick Nurse to multiyear extension
Read full article: Raptors sign coach Nick Nurse to multiyear extensionToronto Raptors' head coach Nick Nurse directs his team during the first half of an NBA conference semifinal playoff basketball game with the Boston Celtics Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Raptors sign coach Nick Nurse to multiyear extension
Read full article: Raptors sign coach Nick Nurse to multiyear extensionToronto Raptors' head coach Nick Nurse directs his team during the first half of an NBA conference semifinal playoff basketball game with the Boston Celtics Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. ā Nick Nurse would have been in the final year of his contract next season. The Toronto Raptors werenāt about to let that happen with their coach. Nurse and the Raptors announced a multiyear extension Tuesday, without divulging the terms. In his two seasons with Toronto, Nurse won the 2019 NBA championship and led the Raptors to more wins than any team in the league over that span. āOur confidence in Nick just continues to grow, and part of that comes from what weāve experienced together,ā Raptors President Masai Ujiri said.
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Celtics oust Raptors in Game 7, head to East finals vs. Heat
Read full article: Celtics oust Raptors in Game 7, head to East finals vs. HeatTatum scored 29 points, Jaylen Brown had 21 and the Celtics topped the Toronto Raptors 92-87 on Friday night in Game 7 of the East semifinal series. The Raptors were bidding to become the seventh franchise in NBA history to win four consecutive Game 7's. Boston pushed the lead to nine, Toronto scored the next eight, eventually took the lead before the Celtics claimed it back. Raptors: Toronto was eliminated 456 days after winning the preceding seasonās title, obviously the longest such run for a team that didnāt win consecutive championships. 2 seed in the East will make the conference finals since the NBA went to the 16-team playoff format in 1984; this one will feature No.
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On to Game 7: Raptors survive Celtics in double-OT thriller
Read full article: On to Game 7: Raptors survive Celtics in double-OT thrillerFred VanVleet scored 21 points for the Raptors, who needed the win to extend their season, and Anunoby had 13 points and 13 rebounds. And tempers flared when it was over, everyone getting a few extra words in before Game 7 on Friday. Celtics: Brown took 18 shots in the first half, the most by a Celtics player in the first 24 minutes of a game since Antoine Walker took 18 on Nov. 29, 2002 also against Toronto. GAME 7 HISTORYThe Celtics will be in a Game 7 for the 33rd time; theyre 23-9 all-time but have lost four of their last seven ultimate games. Game 7 will be considered a Toronto home game.
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Celtics roll in Game 5, take 3-2 series lead on Raptors
Read full article: Celtics roll in Game 5, take 3-2 series lead on RaptorsJaylen Brown scored 27 points and the Celtics never trailed, rolling past the Toronto Raptors 111-89 in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series on Monday night. Boston now leads the series 3-2 and can earn a trip to the East finals on Wednesday. Toronto outscored Boston 28-25 in the third and it already didn't matter; the Celtics' lead was 87-63 going into the fourth. The Celtics scored more points in the second quarter (37) than they allowed in the first half (35). The Raptors went 1-0 last season in win-or-else games, that being the Game 7 triumph over Philadelphia in the East semifinals.
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Raptors beat Celtics 100-93 to even East semifinals at 2-2
Read full article: Raptors beat Celtics 100-93 to even East semifinals at 2-2Two days after winning Game 3 on OG Anunobys 3-pointer as time expired, the Raptors didnt need any big shots. Jayson Tatum had 24 points and 10 rebounds for the Celtics. 7-UPWhen Lowry and Brown fouled each other, it caused some headaches for the public address announcer, who mixed up his No. When Brown fouled Lowry in the first quarter, he announced the foul was on Lowry, saying my bad after a moment of confusion. Lowry hacked Brown in the second and it was announced as a foul on the Celtics player.
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Raptors-Celtics prep for Game 4, Nuggets-Clippers for Game 2
Read full article: Raptors-Celtics prep for Game 4, Nuggets-Clippers for Game 2Game 4 of Celtics-Raptors is Saturday night, followed by Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinal matchup between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Clippers. Leonards shot became iconic because the Raptors won it all. He played most of the first quarter and then the entirety of the final three quarters of Game 3 without a rest. The 46:29 of court time was the most by any player in a non-overtime game this season. INJURY WATCH: It was a good sign for the Clippers that Patrick Beverley (calf) not only returned to the lineup in Game 1 but reported after the game that he felt fine.
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Celtics roll past Raptors 112-94, take 1-0 East semis lead
Read full article: Celtics roll past Raptors 112-94, take 1-0 East semis leadToronto has lost four games by more than 15 points this season three of them against Boston. The Celtics won by 22 on Aug. 7, 18 on Sunday and 16 on Christmas Day. Tatum hit a baseline jumper as time expired, and the lead was 88-73 going into the final 12 minutes. Raptors: Toronto trailed 39-23 after one quarter, the sixth-worst point differential in a span of 547 quarters including playoffs played by the Raptors going back to Jan. 16, 2019. The Raptors and Celtics knelt for that moment and the playings of The Star-Spangled Banner and O Canada that immediately followed.
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Doncic and Mitchell reaching new heights in the postseason
Read full article: Doncic and Mitchell reaching new heights in the postseasonThe dynamic Doncic made sure of that with a buzzer-beating, 3-pointer in overtime Sunday to cap another triple-double. Not to be outdone in the nightcap, Mitchell erupted for 51 points in Game 4 to give the sixth-seeded Utah Jazz a 3-1 lead over Denver. Mitchell is playing out of this world right now, Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. Both Doncic and Mitchell are accomplishing rarely seen postseason feats inside the bubble. Whats more, his 28-foot buzzer-beat to win was the second-longest in postseason history, the Mavericks announced on social media.
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VanVleet, Powell lead Raptors past Nets 104-99 for 2-0 lead
Read full article: VanVleet, Powell lead Raptors past Nets 104-99 for 2-0 leadThe victory gave the Raptors a 2-0 lead in the first round plyoff series. Kyle Lowry had 21 points, nine rebounds and forced a big turnover in the closing seconds for the second seeded Raptors. But this game was much closer as the Nets built a 14-point lead in the first quarter. Toronto was in control after that, stretching the lead to eight on Powell's drive and dunk from the right wing. Caris LeVert had 16 points and 11 rebounds, Jarrett Allen and Joe Harris each had 14 points and 15 rebounds for the Nets.
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NBA time zone: body clocks get a reset inside the bubble
Read full article: NBA time zone: body clocks get a reset inside the bubbleGame days are marked by a morning shootaround, afternoon nap and then the actual contest in early evening. With 22 teams at Walt Disney World sharing facilities, things are on a precise schedule and that means its far from business as usual. Its just all the different times are a little different because we usually set our own times for practice, Clippers coach Doc Rivers said. So, on game days, whether tip-off is early or late, the Raptors -- like every team in the bubble -- have at least some experience playing at that time and can set their body clocks accordingly. Stotts reference to tonight came in a pregame interview, at 11:19 a.m.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
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Celtics build 40-point lead, roll past Raptors 122-100
Read full article: Celtics build 40-point lead, roll past Raptors 122-100And Celtics coach Brad Stevens is already making it clear if that happens, a blowout win over the Raptors now won't mean anything then. Jaylen Brown scored 20 points, Jayson Tatum added 18 and the Celtics never trailed on the way to an emphatic 122-100 win over the Raptors on Friday night. It was 91-57 entering the fourth, and the Raptors went with subs the rest of the way. Raptors: Toronto needs one win in its final four games for a fifth consecutive 50-win season. The Raptors missed nine of their first 10 shots on the way to a 12-2 early deficit, setting the tone.