Raptors defeat Clippers 114-106 as RJ Barrett scores 20 points

Clippers narrow gap, but fall short

The LA Clippers outscored the Toronto Raptors 34-25 in the fourth quarter but could not erase an early deficit, falling 114-106 on Saturday at Rogers Arena. RJ Barrett paced Toronto with 20 points and five assists as the Raptors improved to 1-1 and dropped the Clippers to 1-1.

Toronto establishes control

Toronto opened with a 24-18 advantage and extended the margin during a 33-point second quarter. The Raptors led 57-45 at halftime, with Barrett and Scottie Barnes among the players contributing to the home team’s early cushion. Barnes finished with 10 rebounds.

The Raptors maintained their separation in the third quarter, adding 32 points while the Clippers scored 27. Toronto carried an 89-72 lead into the final period, leaving Los Angeles in position to chase the game over the closing 12 minutes.

Fourth-quarter push

The Clippers produced their highest-scoring quarter of the game in the fourth, with 34 points. Toronto scored 25, and Los Angeles cut the margin to eight by the final horn, but the Raptors held on for the eight-point victory.

Rui Hachimura led the Clippers with 14 points. Kris Dunn had six assists, while Brook Lopez collected seven rebounds for Los Angeles.

At Rogers Arena

The game was played at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, before an attendance of 18,872. Toronto finished with a 1-1 record, and Los Angeles also moved to 1-1 after the result.

Sources

ESPN