After missing seven of the last eight contests for the Raptors, DeMar DeRozan’s presence in the lineup tonight against the Los Angeles Clippers was a welcome sight. The team went a mere 3-4 without DeRozan, but any relief to Kyle Lowry’s burden is surely appreciated. Tonight, like the entire Toronto squad, DeRozan started slow, missing his first three shots. But as DeMar found his groove, the Raptors coalesced around him to beat the Clippers by a final score of 118-109.
It’s true Toronto was sluggish off the jump. The Clippers leapt to an early 17-6 lead and seemed to press their advantage.