A night after blowing a 15-point lead and eventually losing in overtime to Miami, Toronto’s Thursday night date with Orlando appeared as if deja vu had made itself comfortable once again. Well, that was until DeMar DeRozan decided otherwise. The Raptors blew another late lead. The Raptors let J.J. Redick get going in the fourth, who connected on a huge four-point play.* In other words, the Raptors were doing everything a team who hasn’t yet learned how to win on a consistent basis normally does.
DeRozan just happened to be Toronto’s saving grace going stupid scoring 14 of his 22 points in the final frame from an assortment of angles. With the game tied at 95 and just over four seconds remaining, DeMar dribbled to the corner, elevated over Glen Davis and nailed one of the prettier game winners you’ll see this season.
In related news, DeMar, if you’re reading this, do me a favor. Chances are you’re still pissed about how the 2011 Dunk Contest ended. There’s some merit there, too. But we really, really, really need your teammate Terrence Ross in this year’s contest. Please and thanks.
* – You don’t think playoff squads are calling Orlando asking about J.J.? Who wouldn’t want one of the purest shooters in the game? Like, maybe, Chicago (tied 12th with the Magic in three point percentage) or Brooklyn (21st). Now excuse me while I choke myself for giving a Duke player credit. And no Kyrie doesn’t count.