Spurs 116 - 103 Raptors
Final
  for this game

Raptors face uphill battle with Spurs in town

Dec 10, 2013 - 3:38 PM

Video

(SportsNetwork.com) - The new-look Toronto Raptors won't have their new faces in the lineup Tuesday night when they welcome the San Antonio Spurs to the Air Canada Centre.

The Raptors traded Rudy Gay, Quincy Acy and Aaron Gray to the Sacramento Kings on Monday, in exchange for Greivis Vasquez, John Salmons, Patrick Patterson and Chuck Hayes.

"I honestly want to think Rudy, Quincy and Aaron for their time here," said Raptors General Manager Masai Ujiri. "I think those guys are super professional. It sounds cliche, but Rudy was a great person to work with. Phenomenal, talented player, but it just wasn't working."

Gay was averaging 19.4 ppg and 7.4 rpg, but shooting only 39 percent from the field. Money was certainly a factor in the deal as well since Gay has a player option next season for over $19 million.

The Raptors may not be done making moves as Kyle Lowry's name has been featured in trade reports. He becomes slightly more expendable now with Vasquez in town.

"I never want to say there's nobody," said Ujiri. "I don't want to call out names. If somebody offers us Michael Jordan, am I going to say no? You never know what's going to come your way."

The Raptors return home after a 1-2 trip out west. The lone victory came Sunday night when Toronto, which didn't have the three newest Kings in uniform, spoiled Kobe Bryant's season debut. The Raptors beat the Lakers, 106-94.

Amir Johnson was dominant with 32 points and 10 rebounds, while DeMar DeRozan scored 26 and Lowry finished with 23. Terrence Ross, who should see an increased role at small forward, managed 11 off the bench.

The Spurs set out on a two-game trip as they will visit Milwaukee on Wednesday. Center Tiago Splitter didn't make the trip due to a left calf injury.

Last time out for San Antonio, the Indiana Pacers came to Alamo City Saturday night and left with a 111-100 victory.

The Spurs built an eight-point lead after the first quarter, but the Pacers dominated the middle two frames to the tune of a 67-30 scoring disparity.

"In the second quarter, they started making some shots and we weren't able to keep up. We went cold, they got that lead, and we couldn't recover," Spurs forward Tim Duncan said.

Kawhi Leonard led the Spurs with 18 points, followed by 16 from Manu Ginobili. Tony Parker chipped in 13, Duncan and Patty Mills both scored 10 points.

The Spurs have won five straight against the Raptors and three in a row in Toronto.






Related News