Raptors win opener over Hawks with three players averaging double-doubles

The Toronto Raptors were a surprise team to me last year in the Eastern Conference. This year I feel the Raptors expectations are much higher. I think they will finish 3rd maybe 4th. Winning the Atlantic Division to me is possible and doable. Three Raptors players achieved double-doubles to help the Raptors defeat the Atlanta Hawks 109-102. Here are the stats for both teams.




Toronto Raptors Top 5 Scorers

Jonas Valanciunas- 17 points, 8 rebounds, 4/5 FG, 9/10 FT
Amir Johnson- 16 points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocks, 7/15 FG, 2/2 FT
Demar DeRozan- 15 points, 11 rebounds, 6 steals, 3 assists, 4/16 FG, 7/10 FT
Terrence Ross- 13 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 5/11 FG, 3/5 3PTFG
Greivis Vasquez- 12 points, 3 assists, 5/11 FG, 2/6 3PTFG





Atlanta Hawks Top 5 Scorers

Jeff Teague- 20 points, 8 assists, 3 steals, 3 rebounds, 8/12 FG, 3/4 FT
Kyle Korver- 20 points, 3 blocks, 2 assists, 2 rebounds, 7/10 FG, 6/7 3PTFG
Mike Scott- 20 points, 4 rebounds, 8/11 FG, 4/6 3PTFG
Paul Millsap- 13 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 4/13 FG, 5/9 FT
Al Horford- 12 points, 13 rebounds, 3 blocks, 3 assists, 6/15 FG




Toronto Raptors Thoughts

1. The three players that achieved double doubles were Amir Johnson (16 points, 10 rebounds), DeMar DeRozan (15 points, 11 rebounds), and Kyle Lowry with ( 11 points and 10 assists).  
2. Kyle Lowry was solid.  Lowry scored 11 points, 10 assists, 6 rebounds and 3 steals.
3. Raptors had six guys in double figures. When you get six guys in double figures, your odds of winning go up.  The Raptors got things done offensively
4. Will center Jonas Valanciunas step up his game this season?  I feel that he will
5. The Raptors will win the Atlantic Division in my opinion.  Who else could win it seriously? The Knicks, The Nets, The Celtics or the Sixers. The Division to me is the Raptors for the taking.  

Atlanta Hawks Thoughts

1. Three players scoring 20 points ( Jeff Teague, Kyle Korver and Mike Scott).  You would think that would be enough to win the game. The Hawks just got outscored by the Raptors
2. I don't have the Hawks making the playoffs this year, but I could be wrong. 
3. Impressive that both big men Al Horford and Paul Millsap achieved a double-double in the loss. 
4. Kyle Korver with 3 blocks. I didn't think he had any defense in him
5. Al Horford and Paul Millsap must be healthy for this team to have a shot at the playoffs

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