Pound the Rock Stars of the Night - Toronto Raptors 123, Orlando Magic 88 - The '2012 Exit' Edition

posted by Mike Masaya

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:   RAPTOR 123, MAGIC 88    SEASON RECORD: 11W-20L

POUND THE ROCK STAR #1: DEMAR DEROZAN

LINE: 21 pts (7-14), 7-8 FT,  3 reb, 3 ast

If there has been one consistent Raptor this year it has been without a doubt DeMar DeRozan. As great as DeMar DeRozan has performed during their last few wins my fear was that he would soon become the team’s crutch. My fear was likely not warranted as the Raptors went on a 5 game winning streak leading up tonights win against the Orlando Magic with a team total 33 assists. It’s was clear everyone from the starters to the bench players were pulling their weight last night and the truth is that is the only way they are going to win.

POUND THE ROCK STAR #2: ED DAVIS

LINE: 18 pts (7-11), 4-6 FT, 7 reb, 2 ast

Averaging 5.8 points in about 15 minutes per game in the month of November, Davis is now averaging 10.2 points in nearly 25 minutes per game in December. Ed Davis has been playing inspired basketball as of late and the Raptors are 7-2 since Andrea Bargnani has been out with injury. Whether or not you think I’m playing devil’s advocate still doesn’t change the facts.

POUND THE ROCK STAR #3: JOSE CALDERON

LINE:  15 pts (6-10), 3 reb, 10 ast

With 10 of 33 assists coming from Jose Calderon in 24 minutes of playing time last night is impressive to say the least. Kyle Lowry was back in action and chipped in dropping 16 points and dishing out 6 assists of his own doing his part to breathe life in what had been Raptors’ fans dying hope for a plus .500 record to end the year.

SHOUTOUTS TO THE MAGIC:

ANDREW NICHOLSON

LINE: 22 pts (10-14), 2-4 FT, 8 reb

As a Missisauga, Ontario native and rookie to boot it was fitting that Nicholson would score his career high 22 points in his home country of Canada against the Toronto Raptors. With Glen ‘Big Baby’ Davis sidelined now is the perfect time for the 1st round pick from St. Bonaventure to show his teammates and coaching staff what he has to offer. Even though the Magic lost by 35 points I strongly believe his performance did not fall on deaf ears.

Next up for the Raps: vs Portland (Wednesday)

Photo via kansascity.com