Raptors feeling things start to click as key road trip begins at Bulls
Consecutive home wins have helped the Toronto Raptors regain momentum and maintain their grasp on the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
On Wednesday, the Raptors will aim to stop a road funk as they open a five-game trip with a visit to the Chicago Bulls.
Toronto is coming off Sunday's 119-108 victory against the East-leading Detroit Pistons, which hinged on a third quarter in which the Raptors limited the Pistons to 7-for-26 shooting.
"I think it's around that time for things to start clicking defensively, offensively," Toronto's Brandon Ingram said. "We went through a little rough patch these previous four games, but we found it.
"We had some conversations. Our communication on the floor has been good, and we've been able to fight back when we've been down and stay together. So, you know, it's building."
Ingram sparked the Raptors with 34 points against the Pistons while Jakob Poeltl (21 points, 18 rebounds) and Scottie Barnes (14 points, 10 rebounds) notched double-doubles.
After facing the rebuilding Bulls, the Raptors will meet teams in Western Conference playoff position in three of their next four games to close the trip. Toronto has lost three straight on the road, and channeling the resilience the team showed Sunday figures to go a long way during this stretch and beyond.
"I thought our competitive spirit was there during the whole game," Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic said, "even when (we) were not making shots (in the) first half. ... We just kept fighting, finding the ways."
Chicago kicked off a four-game homestand in style on Monday, thumping Memphis 132-107 for its most lopsided victory since a 28-point home win against the Los Angeles Clippers on Jan. 20.
The Bulls have split their past eight games after an 11-game losing streak, with second-year standout Matas Buzelis building momentum in recent weeks. Against the Grizzlies, he scored a game-high 29 points, including 18 in the third quarter.
Although question marks are swirling about Chicago's draft lottery odds and the possible makeup of next season's roster, Buzelis considers it "dangerous" to ponder the future. Which explains why he isn't.
"I try to focus on what's in front of me now," Buzelis said. "I'm not thinking of what this team is going to be. I feel like looking into the future you get anxious. You've got to stay in the present and be where your feet are."
Josh Giddey continues to be a stabilizing force for the Bulls. He contributed 16 points, 15 rebounds and 13 assists against the Grizzlies for his 12th triple-double of the season and his fifth in the past seven games.
Tre Jones added 17 points for Chicago for his ninth straight game in double figures. Jones is averaging 17.4 ppg in March, which exceeds his season average of 12.9.
Toronto is seeking a sweep of the three-game season series. Ingram averaged 32 points in two previous Raptors victories -- in Toronto on Feb. 5 and in Chicago on Feb. 19.
Giddey is averaging 14.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 6.6 assists in his past 10 games against Toronto.