During a season-opening matchup Oct. 22 in Canada, New Orleans nearly pulled off a road upset, which would’ve spoiled Toronto’s championship ring night. The Pelicans appear to have gained the Raptors’ full attention, because Toronto came out ready to play and then some in Friday’s rematch, building a huge first-half lead en route to victory in the Smoothie King Center.
Raptors No. 1 option Pascal Siakam – who registered 34 points against the Pelicans on Oct. 22 – kept pouring in the points, surpassing the 30-point plateau in the middle of the third quarter Friday and ultimately tying his career high with 44.