The trap-game syndrome was only briefly visible in last night’s victory. The Toronto Raptors fell behind late in Q1, then stepped on the gas and ran away from the Philadelphia 76ers. A poor shooting effort from DeMar DeRozan was of little consequence. The Raptors enjoyed a perfect night (6 for 6) beyond the arc from Kyle Lowry, and some impressive shotmaking from Terrence Ross, to put the game on ice.
The 76ers had more or less surrendered before tipoff, by deciding to sit Joel Embiid. Their fragile center is enjoying a spectacular NBA debut, but the team is keeping him on a tight leash minutes-wise.