NBA 2018-19: 3 talking points from Toronto Raptors vs Brooklyn Nets

Final Score: Toronto Raptors 115 - Brooklyn Nets 105

The Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets faced off against each other on Wednesday night at the Barclays Center in front of a sellout crowd. The Nets needed the win to improve their position, while the Raptors were looking to match last season's franchise record for victories. The Raptors won the game with ease.

With the win, the Raptors have now won five games in a row. If the season ended today, these two teams would meet in the playoffs (second and seventh positions).

Here are the talking points from the Raptors' win over the Nets.

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#3 Raptors took big lead in the first quarter

Toronto Raptors v Washington Wizards

Kawhi Leonard opened up scoring for Toronto. With some decent shooting from Leonard, Pascal Siakam and Marc Gasol helped the Raptors build a healthy lead in the first quarter, which ended 34-22. The Nets started well but missed many scoring chances.

Brooklyn fell behind from the beginning of the game and were unable to come back. The Nets struggled defensively and could not contain the Raptors. Brooklyn ignored Siakam in favour of players like Kawhi and Gasol and paid the price.

Toronto played a balanced game, with three of their players scoring 20+ points, and scored 15 times from the three-point line. The team improved their overall record to 56-23. The Raptors are one of the strongest team in the Eastern Conference and are looking to lift the NBA Championship this year.

Kyle Lowry of the Raptors said after the game,

"We've got Kawhi, we've got Marc, we've got a good team. We've got good individuals, I think it's going to be one of those years where we know what we are. Nothing else matters, nothing else matters but the trophy".

#2 D'Angelo Russell impresses despite the loss

Brooklyn Nets v Sacramento Kings

D'Angelo Russell performed well for the Nets. The Brooklyn star scored the most points (27), made seven rebounds and gave six assists but it wasn't enough to stop the mighty Raptors. Russell played well in the third and fourth quarter and dropped some threes.

Russell averages 21.1 points, 6.9 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game this season, which is proving to be his best ever. He is in contention for the Most Improved Player award. His game has improved a lot in the past few games. After struggling with injuries in his debut year, he has managed to bounce back.

The Nets are fighting hard for the play-offs spot, but need to do a better job in the defensive end. Russell needs to give his best as only three games remain in the regular season. The Nets will be disappointed with the result but the young team should learn from this defeat and look forward to the playoffs.

#1 Pascal Siakam stole the show

Siakam

Pascal Siakam was undoubtedly the best player on the court for the Raptors. He scored the most points of the night with 28, made 10 rebounds and also gave five assists. Siakam is another player who is in contention of the Most Improved Player award this year. He was unstoppable in the post.

Kawhi Leonard gave another consistent performance, scoring 26 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Apart from Kawhi and Siakam, Serge Ibaka also contributed to the team, scoring 23 points and 12 rebounds - most rebounds of the night.

The Raptors team is all set for the playoffs and would like to wrap up the regular season with wins in the last three remaining games. The playoff picture isn’t any clearer after tonight’s results for the Nets. They are tied at 39-40 with the Orlando Magic for the seventh and eighth spots.

Toronto will face Charlotte Hornets on Friday whereas the Brooklyn Nets face the Eastern conference leaders Milwaukee Bucks this Saturday.