The Raptors put on a defensive clinic early in this game, especially in the 1st quarter as the away team’s boundless energy had the Hawks on their back foot all night. Atlanta only scored a measly 16 points in the 1st period – while the Raptors notched an impressive 28.
The Hawks were thoroughly outplayed by the Raptors, who went up 3-0 in the season series and look to be contenders for the number 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. While the solidity and strength of the team’s starting five is unquestioned, the Raptors bench unit made mincemeat of the Hawks on this night – led by Kyle Lowry’s backup Fred VanVleet.