Bargnani, Boards & Bayless - RAPTORS 106, SIXERS 90

RAPS 106, SIXERS 90

Can you say four-game winning streak?  It looks like Raptors have gained a new level of confidence in themselves after wins against the Celtics, Rockets and now two wins against the Sixers.  Reggie Evans grabbed a career-high 22 boards last night, which was two shy of Donyell Marshall's team record of 24.  It's kind of crazy that Evans was traded from the Sixers back in June in '09 for who?  Jason Kapono.  I guess we can easily say that the trade worked out okay for the Raps.  Evans also had 12 points to go with his bucket full of boards in his first double double of the season.

The Raps took advantage of the fatigued Sixers squad who were on a back to back, having played an overtime game against the Wizards the night before.  The Sixers were also missing Elton Brand who was suspended for last night's game.  Andrea Bargnani had his fourth straight 20+ point game, dropping 24 on the Sixers.  Things have been looking positive for Andrea so far, as he has shown that he has the confidence to be the #1 scoring option on the Raps.

Last night was also the debut of the two newest Raptors; the 22 year-old Jerryd Bayless and the Serbian sharpshooter, Peja Stojakovic.  Peja had 7 points in six minutes of play while Bayless had an impressive debut with 13 points off of the bench.  

Now, the Sixers struggled last night, as they trailed for all of the 48 minutes of play.  The Raps lead was as large as 22 points.  Philly made a run in the fourth to cut the lead to 10 points but couldn't cut it down any less.  Andre Iguodala led the Sixers with 17 points, 8 boards and 6 dimes.

KEY NOTES:

• Raps shot 48% from the floor
• Team Record: Reggie set a new Raptors record grabbing 15 boards in the first half
• Put on that hard hat: Evans pulled down 22 of the Raptors 41 rebounds
• Rook Watch:  Evan Turner had an off night with just 2 points for the Sixers
• Jrue Holiday had a good game for the Sixers: 16 points, 7 boards, 6 assists
• Young Onez Watch:  DeRozan 5 points, Weems 8 points, Johnson 6 pts/5 boards
• Next up: it's revenge week, the Celtics look for payback when they face off against the Raps on Friday in Boston

(Photo credit: AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Chris Young)