Raptors NBA Playoffs Wrap Up Podcast: #RAPSTALK Ep. 98

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Raptors NBA Playoffs Wrap Up #RAPSTALK Podcast  

RAPS TALK Ep. 98  - The "20 Raptors Playoff Games." episode

Episode 98 of RAPS TALK (05.31.2016) - 20 Playoff Games, NBA All-Star Weekend, 2 All-Stars, Jurassic Park, Eastern Conference Finals, 56 regular season wins, it was an unbelievable season for the 2015-2016 Toronto Raptors.  We recap this season's playoff run and where we see this team headed in the upcoming offseason.

Also, check out our sponsor to the podcast: FanEssentials.net - NBA Fan Gear delivered to your door every month. You can use the 'RAPSTALK' promo code to get 30% off your first month.

Raptors-Cavs Game 5 NBA Playoffs Postgame Podcast: #RAPSTALK Ep. 97

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Raptors-Cavs Game 5 NBA Playoffs #RAPSTALK Podcast  

RAPS TALK Ep. 97  - The "Let's Forget This Game Happened." episode

Episode 97 of RAPS TALK (05.25.2016) - CAVS 116, RAPTORS 78 Let's just forget about this one. Rip up the boxscore. The Raptors got spanked in Cleveland losing the crucial Game 5 to the Cleveland Cavaliers 116-78, and this one was over early. Lebron James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving combined for 71 points in the victory as the Cavs take a 3-2 series lead. Game 6 is back in Toronto, let's hope for a better result.

Also, check out our sponsor to the podcast: FanEssentials.net - NBA Fan Gear delivered to your door every month. You can use the 'RAPSTALK' promo code to get 30% off your first month.

Raptors-Cavs Game 4 NBA Playoffs Postgame Podcast: #RAPSTALK Ep. 96

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Raptors-Cavs Game 4 NBA Playoffs #RAPSTALK Podcast  

RAPS TALK Ep. 96  - The "Not Backing Down" episode

Episode 96 of RAPS TALK (05.22.2016) - RAPTORS 105, CAVS 99 The Raptors had another amazing performance in Game 4, tying up the series against Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers with a 105-99 win at home. Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan combined for 67 points for the Toronto Raptors in the win as the series moves back to Cleveland on Wednesday night. The Raptors are still in this!

Also, check out our sponsor to the podcast: FanEssentials.net - NBA Fan Gear delivered to your door every month. You can use the 'RAPSTALK' promo code to get 30% off your first month.

Raptors-Cavs Game 3 NBA Playoffs Postgame Podcast: #RAPSTALK Ep. 95

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Raptors-Cavs Game 3 NBA Playoffs #RAPSTALK Podcast  

RAPS TALK Ep. 95  - The "Bismacked" episode

Episode 95 of RAPS TALK (05.22.2016) - RAPTORS 99, CAVS 84  This Toronto Raptors team is not getting swept. Bismack Biyombo had a record-setting 26 rebounds, DeMar DeRozan had 32 points as the Toronto Raptors had a bounce back game against Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, winning 99-84. The Raptors trail the Eastern Conference Finals series 2-1 with Game 4 in Toronto on Monday.

Also, check out our sponsor to the podcast: FanEssentials.net - NBA Fan Gear delivered to your door every month. You can use the 'RAPSTALK' promo code to get 30% off your first month.

Raptors-Heat Game 7 NBA Playoffs Postgame Podcast: #RAPSTALK Ep. 94

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Raptors-Heat Game 7 NBA Playoffs Podcast  

RAPS TALK Ep. 94  - The "History Made." episode

Episode 94 of RAPS TALK (05.15.2016) - RAPTORS 116, HEAT 89  This Raptors squad has made history. For the first time ever, they are headed to the Eastern Conference Finals to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Raptors backcourt of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan dominated the Miami Heat to take the 116-89 Game 7 win. That was a fun game to watch.

Also, check out our sponsor to the podcast: FanEssentials.net - NBA Fan Gear delivered to your door every month. You can use the 'RAPSTALK' promo code to get 30% off your first month.

Raptors-Heat Game 5 NBA Playoffs Postgame Podcast: #RAPSTALK Ep. 93

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Raptors-Heat Game 5 NBA Playoffs Podcast  

RAPS TALK Ep. 93  - The "A Win is All That Matters" episode

Episode 93 of RAPS TALK (05.11.2016) - RAPTORS 99, HEAT 91  It's been a roller coaster series for Toronto fans but the Raptors had another bounce back game defeating the Miami Heat 99-91 and now lead the playoff series 3-2. DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry combined for 59 points, Bismack Biyombo had a monster block on Dwyane Wade and DeMarre Carroll went down with a wrist injury.  It's been a crazy series with some terrible basketball but the Raptors are winning games!

Also, check out our sponsor to the podcast: FanEssentials.net - NBA Fan Gear delivered to your door every month. You can use the 'RAPSTALK' promo code to get 30% off your first month.

Raptors-Heat Game 3 NBA Playoffs Postgame Podcast: RAPS TALK Ep. 92

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Raptors-Heat Game 3 NBA Playoffs Podcast  

RAPS TALK Ep. 92  - The "Kyle Lowry's Back!" episode

Episode 92 of RAPS TALK (05.07.2016) - RAPTORS 95, HEAT 91  Kyle Lowry finally made an appearance in this season's playoffs. Lowry broke out of the shooting slump and led the Raptors with 33 points in the 95-91 road victory over the Miami Heat in Game 3. Dwyane Wade finished with 38 points for the Heat but it wasn't enough to overcome Kyle Lowry down the stretch. Raptors lead the series 2-1.

Also, check out our sponsor to the podcast: FanEssentials.net - NBA Fan Gear delivered to your door every month. You can use the 'RAPSTALK' promo code to get 30% off your first month.

Raptors-Heat Game 1 NBA Playoffs Postgame Podcast: RAPS TALK Ep. 91 (05.03.2016)

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Raptors-Heat Game 1 NBA Playoffs Podcast  

RAPS TALK Ep. 91  - The "Lowry Miracles are Not Enough" episode

Episode 91 of RAPS TALK (05.03.2016) - HEAT 102, RAPTORS 96 (OT)  The Raptors lose Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals 102-96 to the Miami Heat in overtime after Kyle Lowry hit that miracle three pointer for Toronto to force OT. But it was experience that prevailed as Dwyane Wade and Goran Dragic scored a combined 50 points in the Heat win.

Also, check out our sponsor to the podcast: FanEssentials.net - NBA Fan Gear delivered to your door every month. You can use the 'RAPSTALK' promo code to get 30% off your first month.

Raptors-Pacers Game 7 NBA Playoffs Postgame Podcast: RAPS TALK Ep. 90 (05.02.2016)

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Raptors-Pacers Game 7 NBA Playoffs Podcast  

RAPS TALK Ep. 90  - The "Monkey Officially Off Back" episode

Episode 90 of RAPS TALK (05.02.2016) - The monkey is officially off of the Toronto Raptors back. After 15 years and only the second time in franchise history, the Raptors have made it into the second round of the playoffs defeating the Indiana Pacers 89-84 in the deciding Game 7. On this episode, we discuss Game 7 against the Indiana Pacers and preview the second round series against the playoff-experienced Miami Heat.

Also, check out our sponsor to the podcast: FanEssentials.net - NBA Fan Gear delivered to your door every month. You can use the 'RAPSTALK' promo code to get 30% off your first month.

Raptors-Pacers Game 5 NBA Playoffs Postgame Podcast: RAPS TALK Ep. 89 (04.26.2016)

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Raptors-Pacers Game 5 NBA Playoffs Podcast  

RAPS TALK Ep. 89  - The "Fourth Quarter Knockout" episode

Episode 89 of RAPS TALK (04.26.2016) - What an emotional roller coaster of a game as the Toronto Raptors dug deep in the fourth quarter and pulled out the 102-99 comeback win over the Indiana Pacers. DeMar DeRozan had a breakout game with 34 points in 40 minutes and the Raptors second unit came up huge on the defensive end holding the Pacers to just 9 fourth quarter points.  The Raptors take a 3-2 series lead and look to close out the series in Indiana on Friday night.

Also, check out our new sponsor to the podcast: FanEssentials.net - NBA Fan Gear delivered to your door every month. You can use the 'RAPSTALK' promo code to get 30% off your first month.

Raptors-Pacers Game 4 NBA Playoffs Postgame Podcast: RAPS TALK Ep. 88 (04.23.2016)

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Raptors-Pacers Game 4 Playoffs Podcast  

RAPS TALK Ep. 88  - The "Night & Day" episode

Episode 88 of RAPS TALK (04.23.2016) - The Toronto Raptors Game 4 performance was night and day to their Game 3 win, losing 100-83 to the Indiana Pacers.  Toronto came out flat from the first quarter and dug themselves into a hole that they couldn't get out of. The series is now tied 2-2 and Game 5 returns to Toronto for a crucial Game 5.

Also, check out our new sponsor to the podcast: FanEssentials.net - NBA Fan Gear delivered to your door every month. You can use the 'RAPSTALK' promo code to get 30% off your first month.

Raptors-Pacers Game 2 Playoffs Postgame Podcast: RAPS TALK Ep. 87 (04.18.2016)

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Raptors-Pacers Game 2 Playoffs Podcast  

RAPS TALK Ep. 87  - The "One Game at a Time" episode

Episode 87 of RAPS TALK (04.18.2016) - That was a bounce back game. The Raptors took Game 2 of the series with a 98-87 win over the Indiana Pacers. Jonas Valanciunas made his presence felt again with another impressive performance scoring 23 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. Kyle Lowry bounced back from his disappointing Game 1 and had 18 points, 9 assists and 7 rebounds. But ultimately it was the Raptors bench that got it done in the Game 2 victory, Patrick Patterson had 14 points, Cory Joseph had 16 points and Norman Powell did a lot of work off the ball to lock in the win. Game 3 is in Indiana on Thursday.

Also, check out our new sponsor to the podcast: FanEssentials.net - NBA Fan Gear delivered to your door every month. You can use the 'RAPSTALK' promo code to get 30% off your first month.

Raptors-Pacers Game 1 Playoffs Postgame Podcast: RAPS TALK Ep. 86 (04.16.2016)

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Raptors-Pacers Game 1 Playoffs Podcast  

RAPS TALK Ep. 86  - The "Glass Half Empty or Half Full?" episode

Episode 86 of RAPS TALK (04.16.2016) - The Raptors lose to the Indiana Pacers 100-90 in Game 1 of the opening round NBA playoff series on Saturday. Paul George went off with 33 points for the Pacers and DeMar DeRozan/Kyle Lowry struggled offensively for the Raptors. Raptors fans have seen this before, but is this year's team different? We discuss Game 1 on this postgame podcast.

Also, check out our new sponsor to the podcast: FanEssentials.net - NBA Fan Gear delivered to your door every month. You can use the 'RAPSTALK' promo code to get 30% off your first month.

RAPTORS PODCAST: RAPS TALK Ep. 85 (04.14.2016) - The "Just Get Out of the First Round" Episode

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RAPTORS PODCAST - EPISODE 85

RAPS TALK  - The "Just Get Out of the First Round" episode

Episode 85 of RAPS TALK (04.14.2016) - The NBA regular season is complete, the Raptors finished with a franchise record 56 wins and now it's the moment we've all been waiting for: can the Toronto Raptors get out of the first round of the playoffs? On this week's podcast, we preview the Eastern Conference playoffs series between the Indiana Pacers & Toronto Raptors.

Also, check out our new sponsor to the podcast: FanEssentials.net - NBA Fan Gear delivered to your door every month. You can use the 'RAPSTALK' promo code to get 30% off your first month.

[VIDEO] Watch Norman Powell Throw Down a Thunderous Windmill Jam

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Watch Norman Powell Throw Down a Thunderous Windmill Jam Against the Sixers

There's no better way to cap off the Raptors regular season at the ACC than a dunk from Norman Powell. Powell had 18 points and 4 rebounds in the Raptors 122-98 victory over the Sixers. The Raptors set another franchise record with their 55th regular season win.

[VIDEO] Watch Cory Joseph Make a Knicks Fan's Day

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[VIDEO] Watch Cory Joseph Make a Knicks Fan's Day 

In the Raptors 93-89 win over the New York Knicks on Sunday evening, Cory Joseph made a young Knicks fan by shaking his hand in between plays. You gotta love this guy.

Watch Norman Powell Drop a Career-High 27 Against the Pacers

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Watch Norman Powell Drop a Career-High 27 Against the Pacers 

With Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, DeMarre Carroll and Luis Scola all getting Friday night off to rest, it was up to the rest of the Raptors roster to pick up the slack against the Indiana Pacers. And they did. The Raptors had their rookies step up to the plate in the 111-98 win and put up career-highs in scoring. Delon Wright put up 19 points and Norm Powell had yet another spectacular performance with 27 points (5/11 FG),  6 rebounds, 4 assists, 14/19 FT and 3/4 from 3pt land.

Norman Powell sets #Raptors rookie record for most free throw attempts in a game with 19.

— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) April 9, 2016

Check out the highlight reel:

[VIDEO] Watch Norm Powell Take on an Auto Service Challenge

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Norm Powell Takes on an Auto Service Challenge 

The Raptors have been tied with Ford for different automotive skills challenges, and the latest video instalment has everyone's favourite Raptor, Norman Powell, taking on the Auto Service challenge. The Raptors rookie has come on strong this season, so it's only fitting that he got an opportunity to do one of these Ford spots.

Norm Powell makes buckets in this video, literally.

[VIDEO] Jonas Valanciunas with the big block on LaMarcus Aldridge

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Jonas Valanciunas with the big block on LaMarcus Aldridge

The Raptors were without their All-Stars DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry due to rest against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night . But even though they were shorthanded, the Raptors hung tight with the Spurs who are still undefeated at home, losing 102-95. 

[VIDEO] Kyle Lowry Body Checks DeMar DeRozan in Postgame Interview

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Kyle Lowry Body Checks DeMar DeRozan in Postgame Interview

Postgame interviews are never safe.

The Raptors grinded out their 51st win against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night. DeMar DeRozan was spectacular with 27 pts, 6 rebounds, 10/11 FT and 4 assists in the 99-95 win. 

In his postgame interview with Eric Smith, DeMar looked to get pushed off of the screen.

RAPTORS PODCAST: RAPS TALK Ep. 84 (03.31.2016) - The "6GODS" Episode

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RAPTORS PODCAST - EPISODE 84

RAPS TALK  - The "6GODS" episode

Episode 84 of RAPS TALK (03.31.2016) - It's a new franchise record for the Toronto Raptors as they hit the 50-win mark on Wednesday against the Hawks. On this week's RAPS TALK podcast, we discuss the Raptors franchise record in wins, DeMarre Carroll's expected return, Kyle Lowry's shooting struggles, the emergence of Norm Powell and the upcoming SLAM magazine '6GODS' cover.

Also, check out our new sponsor to the podcast: FanEssentials.net - NBA Fan Gear delivered to your door every month. You can use the 'RAPSTALK' promo code to get 30% off your first month.

The Numbers You Need to Know - RAPTORS 105 HAWKS 97 - The "Fifty Wins" Edition

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NUMBERS DON'T LIE

RAPTORS 105  HAWKS 97

The "Fifty Wins" Edition

The Raptors got it done. Toronto defeated the Atlanta Hawks 105-97 on Wednesday to get their 50th win after putting up a dud against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday. This sets a new franchise record for the Raptors and they still have eight games to play and potentially build on their win total for the season. The Atlanta Hawks were red-hot coming into the game, coming off a four-game win streak.

[VIDEO] The Toronto Raptors give Sam the Barista and his manager Chris a VIP experience

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[VIDEO] The Toronto Raptors give Sam the Barista and his manager Chris a VIP experience

Back in February, Ellen had surprised Sam, a dancing Starbucks barista from Toronto and his manager Chris with an amazing opportunity: a Toronto Raptors VIP experience including attendance to a Toronto Raptors practice and tickets to the Raptors game against the OKC Thunder on Monday. Both Sam (the dancing barista with autism) and his manager Chris were big-time Raptors fans and in the video recap, they had an experience of a lifetime. 

NUMBERS DON'T LIE - THUNDER 119, RAPTORS 100 - The "Triple Double Trouble" Edition

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NUMBERS DON'T LIE

THUNDER 119, RAPTORS 100

The "Triple Double Trouble" Edition

The Raptors made an attempt at 50 wins for the season on Monday night but fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder 119-100. Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant dominated for the Thunder as the Raptors struggled to get it going offensively and OKC had everything work for them. The red hot OKC Thunder took the win with ease to earn their eighth straight victory.

NUMBERS DON'T LIE - RAPTORS 115, PELICANS 91 - The "49th Win" Edition

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NUMBERS DON'T LIE

RAPTORS 115, PELICANS 91

The "49th Win" Edition

It took a few tries but the Raptors managed to get their 49th win of the season, tying their franchise record in wins. It came in a blowout win against the New Orleans Pelicans 115-91 on Saturday night. This snapped a two-game losing streak for the Raptors after a frustrating loss to the Houston Rockets the night before.

NUMBERS DON'T LIE - ROCKETS 112, RAPTORS 109 - The "Ejections" Edition

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NUMBERS DON'T LIE

ROCKETS 112, RAPTORS 109

The "Ejections" Edition

The Raptors dropped their second game in a row, losing by 3 to the Houston Rockets on Friday night. The 112-109 loss came with their All-Stars Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan in the locker room in the closing minutes as both were ejected for arguing with the officials. Clearly a frustrating night for the Raptors as Kyle Lowry faced off against his former team.

Lowry vs DeMar - Head to Head in a Ford skills challenge

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DeMar DeRozan & Kyle Lowry go head-to-head in a Ford skills challenge

The Toronto Raptors success these past three seasons has definitely been linked to the chemistry on the court. This especially holds true with DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry. On and off the court, these two have good a friendship and it is quite apparent.

CELTICS 91, RAPTORS 79 - The Numbers of the Night

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The Raptors defence kept them in the game but the offence wasn't there on Wednesday night against the Celtics. Isaiah Thomas led the way for the Celtics with 23 points while Kyle Lowry (rest - elbow) sat this game out for Toronto. Celtics won 91-79 in Boston who are looking to move up in the Eastern Conference standings and locking down the 3rd place. Raptors visit Houston on Friday.

Here are the #NumbersOfTheNight:

5 Facts About Kyle Lowry's Player of the Week Honours

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He did it again. Kyle Lowry was named this week's Eastern Conference Player of the Week along with Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder. The All-Star point guard has been fantastic again this season and has led the Raptors along with DeMar DeRozan to the top of the standings in the East.

Watch Terrence Ross Get Up for the Putback Dunk

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Watch Terrence Ross Get Up for the Putback Dunk against the Magic

The Toronto Raptors are now just one game back of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference standings with Toronto's 105-100 win over the Orlando Magic on Sunday. The Raptors improved to 48-21 on the season with still 13 games left to play.

Fan Essentials NBA Subscription Box - Unboxing & Review

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The good people at Fan Essentials sent me a sample of their subscription box service for NBA fans. The concept is basic: you pay a monthly subscription and you receive NBA-related merchandise for your favourite NBA team each month.  The company started with a Memphis Grizzlies fan who was looking for a way to get unique NBA merchandise to NBA fans. Their business now has full service for all NBA teams.

RAPTORS PODCAST: RAPS TALK Ep. 83 (03.03.2016) - The "HALF MEAN MUG, HALF CONFIDENCE" Episode

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RAPTORS PODCAST - EPISODE 83

RAPS TALK  - The "HALF MEAN MUG, HALF CONFIDENCE" episode

Episode 83 of RAPS TALK (03.03.2016) - Kyle Lowry has continued his All-Star season with a career-high 43 points against the Eastern Conference leading Cleveland Cavaliers last Friday. On this week's podcast, we talk about Kyle Lowry and his Player of the Week honours, the newest Raptor Jason Thompson, Anthony Bennett waived, the blowout loss to the Detroit Pistons and who is the Raptors third scoring option after DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry.

[VIDEO] The Delon Wright Showcase

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The Delon Wright Showcase

Kyle Lowry had the night off on Sunday night (rest) against the Pistons, which gave an opportunity for the rookie Delon Wright to showcase his point guard skills in the NBA. Cory Joseph was also in foul trouble in the first half which opened up more minutes for the young point guard. The rookie put up career highs in minutes played (31min), points (13pts 3/8 FG), free throws ( 5/6 FT) and rebounds (3). The most minutes that Wright had seen in a single regular season game this season was 7 minutes.

Vintage Kyle Lowry - Watch Lowry Hit the Game Winner for Villanova

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Vintage Kyle Lowry - Watch Lowry Hit the Game Winner for Villanova

Today, Kyle Lowry was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week. Kyle Lowry put up a stellar performance against Lebron James and the Cavs on Friday night. The stat line for the All-Star point guard: 43 points (career high) 15/20 FG, 5 rebounds, 9 assists. This also included a dagger jump shot over Matthew Dellavedova that led the Raptors to a 99-97 victory with 3.8 seconds to play.