Toronto VS Memphis: Two of NBA's best teams so far: (8-2 Ra737ptors defeat 10-1 Grizzlies)

This is what the NBA is about to me, two of the best teams battling it out on the court. Last night, The 8-2 Toronto Raptors played against the 10-1 Memphis Grizzlies. The Toronto Raptors won out the battle by beating the Memphis Grizzlies 96-92. DeMar DeRozan proved again why he is the best player on this team, by scoring 21 points to lead the way for Toronto. Kyle Lowry added 18. Here are the stats for each team.


Top 5 Toronto Raptors Scorers

DeMar DeRozan- 21 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 10/22 FG, 1/2 FT, 0/1 3PTFG
Kyle Lowry- 18 points, 7 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 7/16 FG, 2/8 3PTFG, 2/2 FT
Terrence Ross- 16 points, 2 rebounds, 6/14 FG, 3/6 3PTFG, 1/1 FT
Lou Williams- 13 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, 4/8 FG, 2/4 3PTFG, 3/3 FT
Jonas Valanciunas- 10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, 4/7 FG, 2/2 FT


Raptors Field Goal Percentage:  45%
Raptors 3 Point Percentage- 34%
Raptors Free Throw Percentage- 84%
Team Rebounds- 35 (28 defensive and 7 offensive )
Team Assists: 24
Team Steals: 9
Team Turnovers: 8
Team Blocked Shots:  6


Top 5 Memphis Grizzlies Scorers

Marc Gasol- 22 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, 8/16 FG, 6/10 FT
Mike Conley- 19 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 7/17 FG, 4/4 FT, 1/1 3PTFG
Zach Randolph- 18 points, 18 rebounds, 2 steals, 7/18 FG, 4/4 FT
Tayshaun Prince- 15 points, 3 rebounds, 6/8 FG, 3/4 FT
Vince Carter- 7 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds, 3/11 FG, 1/5 3PTFG


Toronto Raptors Thoughts

1. I admit the Raptors are a team who get very little respect in this league, even by me.  I do have them finishing 3rd in the Eastern Conference, and winning the Atlantic Division
2. Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan have to be considered a top 5 back court in the NBA.  In my opinion they are third to me , behind  1) Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, and 2) John Wall and Bradley Beal.
3. Even though the Raptors got out rebounded by 15, they had 5 less turnovers.  Taking care of the ball will help you win games.
4. I feel Toronto can get to the second round of the playoffs this year, maybe even the Conference Finals. 

Memphis Grizzlies Thoughts

1. In spite having 50 rebounds to Toronto's 35,  you have to take care of the basketball better to win games. The Grizzlies didn't do that by committing 13 turnovers.
2. Courtney Lee, Tony Allen and Beno Udrih were out with the stomach virus. I admit I wonder what would have happened had at least Lee and Allen played.
3. Off to a 10-2 start, can the Grizzlies keep this up?

Memphis Grizzlies Stats

Grizzlies Field Goal Percentage- 43%

Grizzlies 3 Point Field Goal- 30%

Grizzlies Free Throw Percentage- 73%

Team Rebounds- 50 ( 35 Defensive, and 15 Offensive)

Team Assists- 16

Team Steals - 8

Team Turnovers- 13

Team Blocks- 4

Final Thoughts

What are your thoughts on this game?  I under estimated the Raptors last year, I made sure I didn't do that this year.  It's possible that Toronto could finish 2nd and Cleveland 3rd.  No matter what Toronto is top 3 Eastern Conference Team to me this year in my eyes. Send me your comments and thank you for reading Pro Basketball Hoops Land. The place where you can read articles, send comments and purchase Toronto Raptors Merchandise.  On the left side of my blog is all the teams in ABC order, you can purchase your Raptors products today to show your support.  If you missed the game here are some highlights from the game.  I enjoy watching the NBA.  So if you are to read this NBA, please understand it's not my intent to steal but to promote how much I love your game.