TORONTO – Early on Monday night, Terrence Ross had to feel as if he was dreaming what with him scoring at will, his career highlights playing on the Jumbo Tron overhead and a standing ovation from the Toronto Raptors fans that he played in front of for 4½ seasons being directed his way.
Then, reality – not to mention foul trouble and a heavy dose of all-star guard DeMar DeRozan – woke Ross and his Orlando Magic from a dream-like state and turned the remainder of the game into a nightmare.
Ross scored seven of his team’s first 11 points and he twice waved to an Air Canada Centre crowd that cheered him during a stirring first-quarter tribute video shown.