The Toronto Raptors were expected to dominate a rookie-laden group (they aren’t yet a team) of 76ers. The home team did just that, but in an unexpected manner. Despite poor results from a torrent of 3-balls in the first half, the Raptors kept bombing away. A 40-point Q3, keyed by 5 long balls, rendered the fourth quarter an afterthought.
I’m nowhere near done listing the surprises. Jonas Valanciunas turned his ankle competing for a rebound in Q3, and was done for the night. His replacement was forgotten man Lucas Nogueira, who didn’t waste time making his presence felt.