POUND THE ROCK STARS - On a nightly basis, no matter how good or bad the Raps play, no matter if they blow out a team or if they get blown out and no matter if they win or lose, these are the Raptors with the best 'Pound the Rock' status for the night.
FINAL SCORE: RAPTORS 93, MAGIC 90 SEASON RECORD: 9W-19L
POUND THE ROCK STAR #1: TERRENCE ROSS
LINE: 13 pts (5-8), (3-5) 3 pt, 2 stl
Terrence Ross appeared to be a bit bashful about his spectacular performance and highlight dunks during post game interviews shortly after tonight's win. With his speed and athleticism now being fueled by his increased minutes and confidence, Ross will be the talk of the town during this Raptors holiday break. A scrappy defensive play earned himself a steal that protected the Raptors lead and was key to completing the Raptors first 5 game win streak since 2010. The accolades are well deserved and are something he should start getting used to.
POUND THE ROCK STAR #2: JOSE CALDERON
LINE: 13 pts (6-9), 4 reb, 9 ast, 2 stl
Watching Jose Calderon perform as well as he has since the trade controversy started is how most fans expected this season to start. Calderon showed more commitment on the defensive end poking at loose balls and staying in front of his man even though opposing Point Guard Arron Afflalo made it seem otherwise. Shooting 52% and dishing out 49 assist during this 5 game win streak its clear the Raptors have found a comfortable rhythm. The improved ball movement and shot selection by not only Jose but the entire team has made all the difference.
POUND THE ROCK STAR #3: AMIR JOHNSON
LINE: 10 pts (4-9), 7 reb, 2 stl, 2 blks
The Raptors’ bench has without a doubt stepped up during these last 5 games. It seems that every night someone will pick up the slack and become the anchor when ship starts to drift. Amir Johnson was in his usual “Pound the Rock” mode on both ends of the court altering or blocking shots and hitting the floor for loose balls. With Jonas Valanciunas going down early with a broken finger, Amir had plenty of opportunities to give the Raptors a fighting chance during tonight’s win.SHOUTOUTS TO THE MAGIC:
ARRON AFFLALO
LINE: 26 pts (7-11), (3-3) 3 pt, 9-9 FT, 5 ast
The Orlando Magic came into tonight’s game without Glen Davis and knew they would have to grind it out for a tough win. When Jonas Valanciunas went out with an injury to his hand it became anyone’s game and Arron Afflalo thought it should be his. Afflalo seemed unstoppable doing whatever he pleased against the Raptors’ backcourt and if the Magic had won, only he and 3 other Magic players would have been responsible. In no way overlooking performances by Vucevic, Ayon and Moore whose stat lines were fantastic, Afflalo kept the team confident and believing they could win.
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