The Toronto Raptors open a seven-game homestand on Sunday night with a chance to avenge their recent loss to the Miami Heat.
The Raptors were defeated by the Heat 121-111 on Friday night in an NBA Cup game, concluding a 1-3 road trip. After the game, Toronto coach Darko Rajakovic expressed his anticipation for the rematch.
Both teams saw standout performances with a player from each team achieving a triple-double on Friday. Miami’s Bam Adebayo recorded 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, marking the eighth triple-double of his career. Toronto’s Scottie Barnes had 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, his sixth career triple-double.
The Raptors can take solace in playing at home, where they hold a 4-4 record. The Heat, who have won four of their last five games and are currently on a two-game winning streak, boast a 5-4 road record.
RJ Barrett led Toronto with 25 points on Friday, while Jakob Poeltl added 24 points and 10 rebounds.
The Heat took control of the game on Friday with a dominant 38-23 third quarter after trailing by three points at halftime.
Toronto briefly led 79-77 with 4:23 left in the third quarter, but by the end of the period, Miami was ahead 96-84.
The Raptors made 11 three-pointers but also committed 19 turnovers, leading to 27 points for the Heat. In contrast, Miami had 10 turnovers resulting in 14 points for Toronto.
Rajakovic believes that the turnovers can be corrected with better passing in fast break situations. “We were trying to punish them in transition, and some of those passes were not precise enough,” he said.
Adebayo has recorded 10 assists and 10 rebounds in two consecutive games.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. hit two three-pointers during Miami’s 19-5 run late in the third quarter.
