The Portland Trail Blazers faced the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night down their starting center Jusuf Nurkic and starting small forward Josh Hart. That duo comprises the second and third best defenders in Portland’s first five, plus all of their interior size. Given the injury news, the Raptors knew exactly where to attack. Pascal Siakam and company destroyed the Blazers in the lane, jumping out to a 23-point lead in the first period. Portland made a game try at a comeback, pressing the ball inside themselves. The Blazers managed 60 points in the paint and 18 made free throws, but Toronto had 68 and 17.
Raptors Play Big Inside, Flatten Trail Blazers
