Raptors fend off Nets to keep their winning streak alive

"On the first leg of a back-to-back, Toronto had Brooklyn on their schedule, and although Toronto ultimately got the win, Brooklyn made them work for it, harder than you would expect from a team with their level of talent. Toronto showed poise last night during the closing stretches of the game, where it seemed that Brooklyn was going to overtake them, and get the upset. Toronto did what good teams have to be able to do, and that's battle through adversity and win close games."

"In transition, Mamu spotted up for a three and knocked it down, then on the next play he slipped a screen he set for Immanuel Quickley, got the ball on the subsequent short roll, and found RJ Barrett in the dunkers spot for a lob that was finished with a layup. Then to extend the lead to 12-0, Mamu took advantage of Michael Porter Jr's wandering eyes and slipped behind him to the basket for a layup through contact."

Toronto won a close game against Brooklyn on the first leg of a back-to-back despite Brooklyn's strong challenge. Toronto built a 12-0 lead early as Sandro Mamukelashvilli, starting for the resting Jakob Poeltl, hit a three, executed short-roll playmaking and scored through contact. Noah Clowney sparked Brooklyn with patient, powerful drives and spin moves to finish at the rim. Toronto maintained composure in the closing stretches, defending against a potential Brooklyn comeback and executing down the stretch to secure the victory. Role players like RJ Barrett and Mamukelashvilli provided timely scoring and versatile fits for Toronto's system.

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