You have to give credit to Jonas Valanciunas for trying, right?
Nerlens Noel isn’t exactly a behemoth – the lithe rookie is listed at a perhaps generous 228 pounds. And considering his well-established shot-blocking prowess, the best way to challenge him mano-a-mano really might be trying to power right through him. But Valanciunas doesn’t have the length or explosive athletic ability to take a hit from Noel and stay elevated, let alone rise above him.
So this result wasn’t exactly surprising; obviously, that doesn’t make it any less awesome.
The Toronto Raptors lead the Philadelphia 76ers 35-33 midway through the second quarter.
